News
Roger That!
February 14, 2018
Check out our Department Unit head and Co-Organizer of the conference, Dr. Deana Weibel, being interviewed on Fox17
Roger B. Chaffee was born February 15, 1935 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and went on to become one of the city’s favorite sons. An engineer, pilot and astronaut, Chaffee lost his life in the Apollo 1 accident on January 27, 1967. This event, scholarly in nature and open to the general public, is co-organized by Grand Valley State University, the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship Fund. Roger That! seeks to honor Chaffee and highlight local research in a two-day celebration of space exploration.
Academic and Public Conference
Date: Friday, February 16th
Location: GVSU Pew Campus
Scholars and researchers from a number of institutions (GVSU, Hope College, University of Michigan, University of Dayton) are invited to speak on space-related topics from a variety of fields.
- Space and Science presentations will cover space-related topics in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.
- Space and Society presentations will cover topics that link space exploration and human lives, with presentations from literature, social sciences, humanities and similar fields.
- Student Design Challenge presentations will allow local students to show off their innovative solutions to a number of challenges involving space exploration.
Morning Keynote Speakers:
Professors Durwin Talon and Guin Thompson present: Art/Space: NASA Space Art Program and Beyond
School Field Trips
Date: Friday, February 16th
Location: Grand Rapids Public Museum
Local students will have an opportunity to learn about space exploration through a series of programs at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, including hands-on activities and a presentation at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. Click "Field Trips," above, for more details.
Museum Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 17th
Location: Grand Rapids Public Museum
The GRPM will continue the celebration of space exploration and the life of Roger B. Chaffee through exciting and educational exhibitions and activities taking place throughout the day. Click on "Schedule," above, for more details.