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Symposium Highlight: Diversity and Inclusion

Originally aired on: November 23, 2020

A growing number of space industry firms and nations in space are focused on diversity and inclusion, which would harness the minds of a wider sector of humanity as they reach beyond Earth. Diversity in the space industry was the subject of an update report at the 2023 Space Symposium.

Moderated by: Obinna “Obi” Anyadiegw

Speakers

Obinna “Obi” Anyadiegwu is a Project Engineer at the legendary Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. Obi holds a B.E in Mechanical & Energy Engineering from The University of North Texas.

Obinna “Obi” Anyadiegwu

You may remember Bobak Ferdowsi from such things as: Battlebots, Cupcake Wars, and Sharknado 3, but by day he is the Behaviors & Fault Protection lead for the joint NASA-ISRO mission, an Earth-observing satellite launching in 2022 to evaluate global environmental change and hazards. His prior positions have included Europa Clipper flight system engineer, Integrated Launch and Cruise Engineer on Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity, and Science Planner on the Cassini mission. In addition he served as a Flight Director during Curiosity operations. Bobak earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2001 from the University of Washington and subsequently his Master of Science in the same area from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He's always wanted to explore the universe, plays shortstop in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory softball league, batted 0.817 last year, and usually rides his bike to work. He's passionate about making science & engineering accessible to all.

Edward Gonzales began his work in Pasadena, California at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 2001 in the capacity of “Business Administrator” in the former Office of Education Office (now Office of STEM engagement) Edward also worked directly with NASA Headquarters in the Office of Education and Public Outreach for the Science Mission Directorate (with a focus on Planetary Science).

Edward Gonzales

Dr. Tanya Harrison has worked as a scientist and in mission operations on multiple NASA Mars missions over the past 12 years. She holds a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Western Ontario, a Masters in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Wesleyan University, and a B.Sc. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Washington. Currently she is the Director of Science Strategy for the Federal arm of Planet Labs. Tanya is also an advocate for accessibility in STEM.

Dr. Tanya Harrison

Karina Perez is the Manager for Unmanned and Emerging Aviation Technologies at the Aerospace Industries Association. In this role, she works with AIA’s members regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Urban Mobility, and Spectrum among other areas, and works to find industry consensus on complex issues facing the aviation industry.

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