IT Public Lecture Series

The University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology offers public lectures featuring distinguished leaders on topics related to science and technology. The lectures are designed to share the latest scientific discoveries, explore the impact of technology on culture, and encourage networking on campus. The program is sponsored by the Institute of Technology Alumni Society.

2009 Institute of Technology Public Lecture

Reach for the Stars: My life as an astronaut

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 • 6:30 p.m. Doors open • 7 p.m. Lecture
Van Vleck Auditorium, Tate Laboratory of Physics
116 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis

Presented by Duane "Digger" Carey, astronaut and University of Minnesota aerospace engineering alumnus

We're sorry, but the number of current registrants has exceeded our seating capacity for this lecture. Registration is now CLOSED.

About the lecture and the speaker:

Join space shuttle astronaut, Minnesota native, and University of Minnesota alumnus Duane “Digger” Carey for a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look at the United States space program and the “right stuff” it takes to succeed. Carey will share the story of his humble beginnings growing up in the projects of St. Paul and his journey and years of training to becoming a space shuttle astronaut. He’ll share amazing stories and a multi-media presentation of his space flight as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia. He’ll also talk about his personal mission to inspire and prepare young Americans to continue exploring space.

Carey is a retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. who served as an Air Force pilot and F-16 experimental test pilot. From 1996 to 2004, Carey was a NASA astronaut. In March 2002, he logged more than 10 days in space as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia’s STS-109 mission, the fourth Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. He also helped document the servicing mission with video and still images. Carey is an avid motorcyclist and currently is an educational and motivational speaker.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information call 612-625-3767.

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Seeing Mathematics Everywhere
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Engineers Without Borders
'Role of Engineers in Poverty Reduction: Challenges and Opportunities'
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Renewable Energy for Minnesota: Does Renewable Energy Make Sense?
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Crash! The Legacy of Auto Safety Pioneer James J. Ryan
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Math at Top Speed: Breaking Myths in Drag Racing Folklore
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Seven Warning Signs of Voodoo Science
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Venture Capitalism and the Nanotube
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Technology-Enhanced Learning
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The Challenge of New Materials
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Inventing Modern
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Global Warming: Potential Effects on Lakes and Rivers
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This Not-So-Crazy World: Order in Randomness
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The Art and Science of the Motorcycle
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The Changing Role of the Health Care System
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The Mathematics of AIDS Research
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How Geometry Has Changed Hollywood
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For information on other University of Minnesota lectures and performances, see the events calendar.