Her visit was part of the Lang Walker Family Academy In-Schools Program, ‘Powerhouse: Future Space’, launched in April in collaboration with Magnitude.io and the NSW Department of Education. Through the program, students access ground-breaking technologies and exposure to international scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs.
Weber was a NASA Astronaut for 10 years flying on two Space Shuttle flights including one to the International Space Station helping to deliver a communications satellite.
She told students it was an exciting time to be alive.
“What we need are more creative minds to keep coming up with new applications, the possibilities are endless – and anything is possible with a background in technology.”
Weber said she always had a fascination with maths and science and pushed herself to take on the most difficult courses which lead to her obtaining a degree in Engineering, a PhD in Chemistry and a Masters in Business.
“It’s important to go after the challenges because the rewards are much greater than if you take the easy option,” she said.
“Get the best grades you can and having a foundation of scientific methodology will help in everything.
“A STEM education will put you head and shoulders above everyone else and then the stars really are the limit.”
Astronaut visits to inspire girls to pursue technology
ENCOURAGING all to the reach for the stars, former NASA astronaut Dr Mary Ellen Weber arrived on a mission to East Hills Girls Technology High School on Friday to help inspire the next generation of students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).