Who: Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA associate administrator for the science mission directorate

What: UNT President’s Lecture Series inaugural event

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 21 (Thursday)

Where: University Union Lyceum at the University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle Drive, Denton

Media: Journalists interested in attending the event and discussing the launch of the President’s Lecture Series with UNT President Neal Smatresk should contact Heather Noel at heather.noel@unt.edu or 940-369-8218. 

Background:

The head of the nation’s space research program, Thomas Zurbuchen, will discuss the state of space exploration and NASA’s current and future missions during the inaugural event of the UNT President’s Lecture Series. 

“One way we prepare the creative leaders of tomorrow is by bringing today’s accomplished and visionary leaders to campus to share their insight and inspire the next generation,” said series founder and UNT President Neal Smatresk. 

The UNT President’s Lecture Seriesis free and open to the community. Seating is limited and can be secured by claiming a ticket online.

ABOUT THOMAS ZURBUCHEN

On a daily basis, Thomas Zurbuchen works to ensure that NASA’s science missions are part of a balanced portfolio that enable great science, help us unveil the unknown and facilitate a better understanding of our place in the cosmos. He continues to bring a wealth of scientific research, engineering experience and hands-on knowledge to NASA’s world-class team of scientists and engineers. Zurbuchen sets the NASA Science strategy and enables the teams to carry it out. Previously, Zurbuchen was a professor of space science and aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He also was the University of Michigan’s founding director of the Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Engineering. Zurbuchen’s experience includes research in solar and heliospheric physics, experimental space research, space systems and innovation and entrepreneurship.