NASA Astronaut Speaks at National Science Olympiad at Eastern Washington University

Doug Peterson
Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
(281/483-5111)

Release: J00-32

Astronaut Bonnie J. Dunbar, a five-time space traveler, visits Eastern Washington
University (EWU) in Cheney this Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, to participate in
the 16th annual National Science Olympiad. Dr. Dunbar, a Washington native, will be
the keynote speaker for the Science Olympiad’s Opening Ceremony that begins Friday
evening at 5:30 p.m. in EWU’s Pavilion. Dunbar’s address is entitled, “Space
Exploration into the New Millennium.”

The Science Olympiad competition runs all day Saturday and will conclude in the
evening with banquets and awards ceremonies. Astronaut Dunbar will present medals
to winning teams at two awards ceremonies beginning at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

A media opportunity is planned for Friday at 10:45 a.m. in the university’s Kennedy
Library in Building 21. Media wishing to attend should contact Stephanie Pettit of the
EWU Public Information Office at 509-359-6335. Astronaut Dunbar is available for print
or electronic media interviews before or after the events depending on schedule
constraints.

A highly honored astronaut, Dr. Dunbar has logged over 1,208 hours in space, as a
mission specialist in 1985, 1990, and 1995, and as payload commander in 1992 and
1998. Dunbar is an accomplished private pilot.

Currently, Dr. Dunbar serves as Assistant Director for University Research and Affairs
at NASA’s JSC. In this position she is the focal point for JSC’s educational programs,
grant programs, and collaborative efforts with colleges, universities, scientific, and
engineering organizations.

Additional information about her background and career can be found at the NASA
Astronaut Biography webpage at
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/.