Two programs with retired astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris and aviation professionals
SEATTLE, Jan. 25, 2012–Two inspirational programs – a lecture and a panel presentation – will feature the first African American to walk in space, former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris. The Feb. 4 Black History Month programs include a 2 p.m. lecture by Harris, followed at 3:15 p.m. with a panel discussion including Harris and five aviation professionals. Harris is a veteran of two space shuttle flights, and is president of The Harris Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports math/science education and crime prevention programs for America’s youth.
The panel presentation, “Reaching Your Potential,” includes Harris, USAF and Alaska Airlines pilots, an engineer and an airline dispatcher discussing career opportunities in aerospace. Both programs are free with admission to the Museum.
2 p.m. – Bernard Harris Lecture
Dr. Bernard Harris worked at NASA for ten years, where he conducted research in musculoskeletal physiology and disuse osteoporosis. Later, as Head of the Exercise Countermeasure Project, he conducted clinical investigations of space adaptation and developed in-flight medical devices to extend Astronaut stays in space. Selected into the Astronaut Corp in January 1990, Harris was a Mission Specialist on the space shuttle Columbia STS-55/Spacelab D-2 in 1993. As Payload Commander on the shuttle Discovery STS-63 in 1995, he served on the first flight of the joint Russian-American Space Program, becoming the first African American to walk in space. Harris has logged more than 438 hours and traveled over 7.2 million miles in space.
Harris is currently Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Vesalius Ventures, Inc., a venture capital firm, that invests in early to mid-stage healthcare technologies and companies. He is also the founder of the Harris Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports math/science education and crime prevention programs for America’s youth. Harris is also the author of the book, “Dream Walker.”
3:15 p.m. – “Reaching Your Potential” Panel
Moderator:
Lt. Col. Ronald Limes, USAF pilot, 97th Airlift Squadron.
Panelists:
Jasmine Bridges, Boeing Company engineer.
Jonathon Burton, Alaska Airlines dispatcher.
Bernard Harris, former astronaut.
Capt. Mitch Mitchell, Alaska Airlines Captain.
Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, Alaska Airlines pilot and USAF Reserve C-17 pilot, 728th Airlift Squadron
For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit museumofflight.org.