Taking You Higher – A Women in Space Teleconference

Dr Alice Gorman: Space Archaeologist

Dr Alice Gorman is an internationally recognised leader in the field of space archaeology. Her research focuses on the archaeology and heritage of space exploration, including space junk, planetary landing sites, off-earth mining, space habitats, rocket launch pads and antennas. She is an Associate Professor at Flinders University in Adelaide and a heritage consultant with over 25 years’ experience working with Indigenous communities in Australia. In collaboration with NASA and Chapman University, she is conducting the first archaeological study of the International Space Station. She is a mentor in the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs Space4Women Mentor Network. Her book Dr Space Junk vs the Universe: Archaeology and the Future (MIT Press, 2019) won the NIB Literary Award People’s Choice for Non-Fiction and the John Mulvaney Book Award. She tweets as @drspacejunk and blogs at Space Age Archaeology.

Sally Tindall: Astronaut-to-be

Sally is a pilot for Virgin Australia, but she is also an astronaut candidate at AdvancingX. She is aiming to become Australia’s first citizen in space (previous Australian born astronauts had to become American citizens before they went into space).

Sally is also a highly accomplished academic with 5 degrees: RMIT Bachelor of Applied Science (Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology, General); RMIT Master of Science (Applied psychology); Swinburne UT Master of Engineering: Master of Aviation Human Factors (Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science & Technology, General) x 2; Ambulance Victoria Graduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine.

Shannon McConnell: NASA Rocket Scientist

Shannon works for NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and served as the Deep Space Network Public Engagement Manager.

Shannon has been introducing students to the excitement of space exploration since 1998. She has led the Galileo Outreach Team, the Cassini Formal Education Team, and the Deep Space Network Education and Public Outreach Office.

Before her work in outreach and education, Shannon worked mission planning and design for the Cassini Spacecraft, Sequence design and execution for the Galileo Mission, and Data Analysis for the Magellan Mission. Shannon also spent 1993-1994 working payload operations for 2 Space Shuttle Flights managed by JPL.

Shannon holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Astronomy and Environmental Engineering (University of Southern California) as well as being a Committee Chair for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Her professional affiliations include membership in the National Association of Interpretation, National Science Teachers Association, and National Council for the Teachers of Mathematics. Shannon is also a current member of the Board of Trustees for Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, California.

Shannon has travelled to 50 countries on all 7 continents and is always on the lookout for a new adventure. Shannon lives in Altadena, California.