Dr. Mae Jemison, an astronaut, physician, Peace Corp. volunteer and dancer, delivered the annual Sturm Lecture April 19 in the Ring Family Performing Arts Hall. Her topic was “Exploring the Frontiers of Science and Human Potential.” Jemison’s sister, Dr. Ada Jemison, majored in biology at Wesleyan in 1974.
Jemison is currently leading the 100 Year Starship Project. Her goal is to ensure that all the capabilities will exist for a successful human journey to another star within the next 100 years. Jemison also shared her achievements and the obstacles she has faced over time.Dr. Jemison had breakfast with several astronomy and planetary science undergraduates, graduate students and McNair Fellows. “Mae was also very generous with her time, meeting with long lines of students, community members, kids after her talk and at the reception afterward. For our undergraduate students, it was a really special treat,” said Seth Redfield, associate professor of astronomy. Pictured, from left is graduate student Shaun Mahmood; graduate student Kristen Luchsinger; Ronnie Hendrix, associate director of the McNair Program; Jesse Tarnas ’16; Rachel Aronow ’17; Mae Jemison; Hanna Morales ’17; Avi Stein ’17; graduate student Gloria Fonseca, graduate student Ben McKeeby; Julian Dann ’17; and Lydia Tierney ’16.The event was sponsored by the Astronomy Department, the Allbritton Center, the Baldwin Lecture Fund and the Connecticut Space Grant Consortium. (Photos by Hannah Norman ’16)
In memory of Kenneth E. Sturm from the Class of 1940, this annual event is held in the spring and is open to the public. It features a presentation from an astronomer that is outstanding in their field and able to communicate the excitement of science to a lay audience. View past Sturm Lecture speakers here.
Olivia Drake
Mike Mavredakis
Ziba Kashef
Andrew Chatfield