Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances
The Mark Luchinsky Memorial Lecture was endowed by family and friends to honor the memory of Mark Luchinsky, a University Scholar and biochemistry major who died on January 18, 1995, at age 20.
Through this lecture series, the community gathers to honor Mark’s memory through support of a speaker who exemplifies intellectual honesty, personal integrity, and joy in learning.
This year, the Schreyer Honors College is honored to have Mr. Leland Melvin present “Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances.”
Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, former NASA astronaut, and former 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. He also led NASA Education and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEM 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 now shares his life story as an athlete, astronaut, scientist, engineer, photographer, and musician to help inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) careers.
In May 2017, Mr. Melvin released his memoir, “Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances.” In “Chasing Space,” he 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.
Register for the event here: https://psu.zoom.us/webinar/