Women In Science Conference
Dr. Roberta Bondar
Neurologist and Astronaut
As the world’s first Neurologist in space, Dr. Roberta Bondar is globally recognized for her pioneering contribution in space medicine. Aboard the Discovery mission in 1992, she conducted experiments in the shuttle’s first international microgravity laboratory. For more than a decade at NASA, Roberta Bondar continued her research finding new connections between the brain recovering from a zero gravity environment and the brain affected with neurological illnesses such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Her findings developed technology has been used in clinical studies at Harvard Medical School and she continues to publish research on the effect of space flight on the brain.
A true renaissance woman, Dr. Bondar has become an acclaimed photographer of the natural wonders of our planet. She is the author of three critically acclaimed books featuring her stunning photography of the Earth both from space and on the ground. Roberta’s photographs of the deserts in the American southwest and the deserts in the Canadian Arctic became a well received exhibition entitled The Deserts of North America. Dr. Bondar continues to be attracted to the extremes of the planet and this past April in London, England, Hoopers Gallery premiered Roberta’s exhibition, Ancient Ruins and Desert Dunes a new look at the Roman ruins found in the Libyan portion of the Sahara Desert.
As a space scientist and neurologist, Dr. Roberta Bondar is much sought-after as a speaker who makes exciting connections between how our brains adapt in space to how we can adapt to constantly changing business environments here on Earth. With innovative ideas, she offers her abilities as a leader, visionary and connector, addressing subjects such as Leading Without A Map: Adaptive Decisions When Chaos Reigns; Dream It, Dare It, Do It: Living Your Dreams One Decision At A Time and Touching the Earth: How Women Can Transform Science and Technology. Dr. Bondar demonstrates the critical thinking necessary for changing perspectives in our contemporary world.
Respected for her expertise and animated commentary, Roberta Bondar has been a guest of television networks such as CNN, BBC, PBS, and the CBC as well as many radio stations throughout the U.S. Dr. Bondar has co-anchored the Discovery Channel's coverage of space shuttle launches at the Kennedy Space Centre.
Dr. Bondar is in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame for her pioneering research in space medicine and recognized with the Order of Canada and the NASA Space Medal. In addition, she has received 24 honorary doctorates from Canadian and American universities, including an Honorary Doctor of Science, which she received from The University of Winnipeg in 2001. Last year TIME magazine named her among North America's best explorers.
Presently, Dr. Bondar is the Chancellor of Trent University in Peterborough and is also writing a book on critical thinking.