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Leland Melvin, a former NASA astronaut who served on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis and helped construct the International Space Station, will speak at CU �鶹ӰԺ at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. The event will be held in Macky Auditorium and tickets are available now.

NFL, space and a passion for STEM education

Before his career as an astronaut took off, Melvin was drafted into the NFL by the Detroit Lions, but his playing time was cut short due to an injury. Pivoting to his background in engineering, he launched a career with NASA as an astronaut where he logged 565 hours in space and helped construct the International Space Station.��

After his space missions he served as the co-chair of the White House's Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force and as NASA Associate Administrator for Education where he worked to inspire students in STEM.

Author

In his memoir, “Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances,” Leland shared his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, and examines the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create opportunities for success. He also recently completed the graphic novel “Space Chasers,” that follows a group of kids in their adventures to make it home to Earth from outer space.

Distinguished Speakers Board

The Distinguished Speakers Board is a CU �鶹ӰԺ student-run group that strives to bring diverse speakers to campus that will intellectually challenge the student body, as well as spark meaningful dialogue surrounding relevant issues. Past speakers the board has hosted include Jennette McCurdy, Alex Honnold, Trevor Noah, Viola Davis, Scott Kelly, Anderson Cooper, Brené Brown, Laverne Cox, Edward Snowden (via video conference) and many others.