Caption: Astronaut and Cal State Fullerton alumna Tracy Caldwell Dyson. Photo courtesy of NASA
Astronaut, Alum Caldwell Dyson to Speak
Symposium Features Student Researchers, Cell Biologist, ‘Math Whiz’
Feb. 22, 2012 :: No. 97
Who/What: NASA astronaut and CSUF alumna Tracy Caldwell Dyson returns to her alma mater to headline the March 1 Science Symposium at Cal State Fullerton. She will present “Life Onboard the International Space Station” as part of the Feb. 29-March 1 Science Symposium sponsored by the university’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics’ InterClub Council and Associated Students Inc. The free, two-day event is open to the community, as well as campus members.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 29 - Thursday, March 1 (Schedule at right.)
Where: Titan Student Union Portola Pavilion, Cal State Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831
More: This will be Caldwell Dyson’s first visit to campus since her mission on the International Space Station in 2010. Caldwell Dyson (B.S. chemistry ’93) worked and lived on the space station for six months and served as a flight engineer. During the 174-day mission, she performed spacewalks to replace a faulty coolant pump module on the station’s backbone, known as the truss. At the reception, Caldwell Dyson will greet campus members and present “flown items” — gifts from her Space Station mission — to university officials.
More about Caldwell Dyson is available online.
Why: “The purpose of the InterClub Council is to educate students about careers in science and math — and having an astronaut and alum come to campus and talk to students about her stellar career is exciting,” said Aaron Montgomery, a biological science major and chair of the council, which promotes science and math careers. “We look forward to learning from Dr. Caldwell Dyson and hope that she will inspire students to meet their own career goals.” Montgomery, a senior, is applying to medical schools and is planning a career as a physician.
Parking: $2 per hour or $8 for a daily permit for campus visitors. Details online.
InterClub Council: The council is a student-run organization funded by Associated Students Inc. and consists of eight science- and math-related clubs. The council allocates funds for student travel to conferences and for academic-related events.
Media Contacts: Rochelle Woods, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, 657-278-4158 or rwoods@fullerton.edu
Debra Cano Ramos, 657-278-4027 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu
