Carleton University today conferred a Doctor of Engineering on Robert Thirsk in recognition of his outstanding career as a Canadian astronaut, his many contributions to scientific and health research, and his promotion of science education and lifelong learning.
Thirsk was honoured during Carleton’s Spring Convocation, where more than 4,800 students are receiving degrees over five days.
As Thirsk addressed the crowd, he spoke about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in a changing world.
“Some problems, possibly related to the disruption of traditional industries, will take us by surprise,” said Thirsk. “And that is the reason why Carleton University focuses on the training of skills – skills like creative risk-taking – to equip young leaders to face the coming years; to enable minds to connect, discover and generate transformative knowledge; and to create a more sustainable and prosperous nation.”
Thirsk flew on two space missions as a member of the Canadian Space Agency’s astronaut corps. He first flew aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 1996 with six crewmates as part of the Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission. His second flight in 2009 was a six-month expedition aboard the International Space Station. He was the first Canadian to undertake a long duration expedition there. Thirsk and his five international crewmates performed multidisciplinary research, robotic operations and maintenance of the station’s systems and payloads.
Now an adjunct faculty member at International Space University, Thirsk works with educational specialists across Canada to develop space-related curricula for young students. He encourages youth to build their dreams upon a foundation of advanced skills and lifelong learning.
In addition to this work, Thirsk leads a national task force assessing a potential role for Canada in deep space astronaut health care.
Fred Afagh, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design, introduced Thirsk by noting his many accomplishments and how his time in space provided him with a unique perspective. Afagh underscored Thirsk’s dedication to encouraging students to learn throughout their lives.
“He is a strong promoter of a national economy based upon exploration and innovation,” said Afagh. “He takes every opportunity to encourage youth to work outside of their comfort zone, to participate in collaborative team-oriented ventures and to pursue audacious dreams.”
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Thursday, June 13, 2019 in News Releases
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