Astronaut Pam Melroy Addresses Students

In accordance with its mission to achieve gender parity in the fields of math, science and technology, the Girls Math and Science Partnership, or GMSP, sponsored a lecture at the Carnegie Science Center this morning by astronaut Pam Melroy, who commanded a mission to the International Space Station—her third venture into space.

Statistics show that women fill only 27% of scientific jobs, and men are earning three times as many doctorates in science as women. Girls’ interest in science falls off from 66% in fourth grade to 48% in twelfth grade, so to achieve gender parity, the GMSP says it's important to introduce girls early to the stories of women scientists and their contributions.

Pam Melroy knew all along she wanted to be an astronaut but first studied astronomy and became an Air Force test pilot. Astronauts are selected (at the average age of 35) after they've had success in a variety of scientific fields, and this diversity is crucial to solving problems that arise. She described her last space mission in a way that conveyed the excitement of the scientific challenges but also the beauty of space and the emotional richness of working and living with crew members who become like family.

Melroy encouraged students in the audience to prepare themselves to participate in a mission to Mars in 20-25 years.