The Planning Committee is pleased announce that the IGED 2017 Keynote Speaker is Tara M Ruttley, PhD, an Associate Program Scientist for the International Space Station (ISS) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Tara M Ruttley, PhD is an Associate Program Scientist for the International Space Station (ISS) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Dr. Ruttley believes that the distinct changes that happen to living and physical systems in the unique microgravity environment can tell us more about who we are on Earth, where we come from, and where we might be headed. Her role in the ISS Program Science Office consists of representing and communicating all research on the space station, and supporting the ISS Chief Scientist’s research recommendations to the ISS Program Manager and to NASA Headquarters. Combining her love for Biology and human spaceflight, she pursued her BS degree in Biology and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University. Upon completion of her MS degree, she came to work for NASA in 2001 where she began her career as a biomedical engineer for the medical equipment and human research hardware used on the ISS. While working as an engineer, she concurrently pursued her PhD in Neuroscience and joined the ISS Program Science Office upon completion, where she’s since enjoyed playing an active role in the science activities taking place on the ISS. She believes that curiosity comes naturally to us across all ages, and today’s biggest challenge for scientists is sharing the relevance of new knowledge in a way that has positive impacts here on Earth. What we gain from science in low Earth orbit paves the way for the future of NASA exploration, and drives advancements in human health, economy, education, and international partnerships. Dr. Ruttley has authored publications ranging from hardware design to neurological science, and also holds a U.S. utility patent.
