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Dr. Roberta Bondar
First Neurologist In Space
Dr. Roberta Bondar
First Neurologist In Space
Biography
The world’s first neurologist in space, Dr. Roberta Bondar is globally recognized for her pioneering contributions to space medicine research, fine art photography and environment education. Aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-42 in 1992, she conducted experiments for 18 countries in the first International Microgravity Laboratory, a precursor to the International Space Station.
For over a decade after her spaceflight, she headed an international research team working with NASA on neurological symptoms seen after spaceflight, and their connections to neurological diseases on Earth.
Trained as a member of NASA’s Earth Observation Team, Dr. Bondar expanded her professional photographic expertise as an honors student in Professional Nature Photography. Her fine art photographic works are held in private, corporate and institutional collections in Canada, the U.S. and England. She is the author of four best selling books featuring her writing and photography.
Dr. Bondar continues to use fine art photography to explore and reveal Earth’s natural environment from the surface, seeing the world through the creative lenses of medical doctor, scientist, photographer, astronaut and writer. In her current project Protecting Space for Birds, Dr. Bondar is integrating three views of migratory bird corridors in the Americas and Asia-Europe-Africa—space, surface and aerial— to give us insight into the habitats needed by and to protect endangered and threatened birds.
Dr. Bondar’s distinctions are diverse and include: Companion of the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the NASA Space Medal, induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and into the International Women’s Forum’s Hall of Fame, 28 honorary doctorates from Canadian and American Universities, Chancellor of Trent University 2003-2009, six Canadian schools in her name, a Specially Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, an Honorary Fellow and Honorary Vice-president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and her own star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Speaker Videos
Dr. Roberta Bondar Canada Files
Dr. Roberta Bondar Speaking Reel
Mansbridge One on One | Dr. Roberta Bondar
Celebrating 30 Years Since Her First Spaceflight
Speech Topics
Shifting One’s Perspective, to Move Beyond Our Present Comfort Zone
Fearful of change, many people will not move outside of their place of comfort, for a new idea or sudden immersion in a novel environment can be disorienting and distressful. One of Dr. Bondar’s tasks on her space mission, was to examine how the human nervous system adapts to the sudden exposure to the low gravity of spaceflight, experienced while floating around the Earth. One can think differently with the benefits that it will generate, such as creativity and better physical and mental health. Dr. Bondar, a neurologist, integrates her perspective gleaned from space with her Earth exploration, through her still and video imagery, to stimulate others to think differently, to embrace any evolving context and a new way forward.
Potentially Yours, or What’s in it For Me?
Confidence in an idea begins with insight and energy, both needed to imagine a future gained through wisdom. The power within an individual to envision a future is nascent, untapped in many individuals, with lives that may feel unfulfilled without adequate support systems. Through five pearls of wisdom, Dr. Bondar shares valuable insights into her ongoing life of exceptional achievement, focusing on her leadership, volunteerism and environmental outreach through the lenses of scientist, neurologist, astronaut, photographer, explorer, educator and writer. She polishes each pearl with humour and imagery, through visual storytelling.