Wendi Heinzelman delivering the 6th Bunshaft Lecture in 2017 Wendi Heinzelman delivering the 6th Bunshaft Lecture in 2017

Bunshaft Lecture

10th Annual Bunshaft Lecture

Hosted by the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE)
Open to the public.

Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 7 p.m. | Performing Arts Center, Main Stage

Featuring Leland Melvin, author, engineer, educator, former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver.

Register for the Bunshaft Lecture

 

Leland Melvin

About the Speaker

Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver. He served on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist on mission STS-122 (2008) and STS-129 (2009), helping to construct the International Space Station.

Upon hanging up his space boots, he led NASA Education and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEAM Education Task Force, developing the nation’s 5-year STEM education plan. 

After 24 years with NASA as a researcher, astronaut and Senior Executive Service leader, he shares his life story as an athlete, astronaut, scientist, engineer, photographer, and musician to help inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue STEAM careers.

Leland holds six honorary doctorates for his service in education, the sciences and philanthropy.

In May 2017, Leland released his memoir, "Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances." In "Chasing Space," Leland shares his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, and examines the intersecting roles of community, perseverance, and grace that align to create the opportunities for success.
 

Co-Sponsors

Thank you to NYS Writer's Institute, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Alumni Association, Student Affairs, and University Auxiliary Services for additional financial support and to The Honors College for promotional support.
 

About the Bunshaft Lecture

Established through the generosity of Albert Bunshaft ’80 and Caryn Bunshaft ’82, The Bunshaft Endowment in the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering provides support for this lecture, which is designed to provide information to the student community about a broad range of topics related to careers in computing and engineering sciences.