Harvard Aerospace & Defense Alumni Organization
presents
"Exploring the Future of Space"
with MIT’s Sarah Seager
Wednesday, October 23
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Harvard Innovation Labs
125 Western Avenue, Boston, MA 02134
Prepare to be inspired by one of the leading minds in astrophysics, Professor Sarah Seager from MIT, as she delves into the fascinating world of space exploration and its future impact on science, technology, and innovation. Hosted by the Harvard Aerospace and Defense Alumni Organization (HADAO), this exclusive event will offer attendees a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge ideas and network with professionals from the aerospace, defense, and broader innovation communities.
This is a FREE event, but you MUST REGISTER in advance to ensure proper seating is available.
This event offers a rare chance to hear from a leading figure in astrophysics and gain insight into the future of space exploration. Whether you're passionate about science, aerospace, or innovation, this is an unmissable opportunity to be part of an engaging and thought-provoking evening.
Agenda
5:00 - 5:30 PM
Arrival and Networking, Dr. Deborah Donnelly-Mclay
Check-in, refreshments, and networking
5:30 - 5:40 PM
Opening Remarks, Maher Ezzeddine, Chairman of Harvard HADAO
5:40 - 7:00 PM
"Exploring the Future of Space"
Moderator: Deborah Donnelly-McLay, HADAO Board Member
Speaker: Professor Sarah Seager, MIT Astrophysicist
Engaging in discussion on space exploration, astrophysics, and the future of aerospace innovation Audience Q&A: Open floor for questions during the discussion
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Networking and Refreshments
Final networking opportunity over snacks and drinks.
Conversations with attendees, alumni, and special guests
Sarah Seager
Professor Sara Seager is an astrophysicist and a Professor of Physics, a Professor of Planetary Science, and a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she holds the Class of 1941 Professor Chair. She has been a pioneer in the vast and unknown world of exoplanets, planets that orbit stars other than the sun. Her ground-breaking research ranges from the detection of exoplanet atmospheres to innovative theories about life on other worlds to the development of novel space mission concepts.
In space missions for planetary discovery and exploration, she was the Deputy Science Director of the MIT-led NASA Explorer-class mission TESS; she was PI of the JPL-MIT CubeSat ASTERIA; is a lead of the Starshade Rendezvous Mission (a space-based direct imaging exoplanet discovery concept under technology development) to find a true Earth analog orbiting a Sun-like star; and most recently has directed a mission concept study to find signs of life or life itself in the Venus atmosphere and is PI of a small mission to Venus targeted for launch in 2023.
Her research earned her a MacArthur “genius” grant and other accolades including membership in the US National Academy of Sciences; the Sackler Prize in the Physical Sciences, and the Magellanic Premium Medal; and has been awarded one of Canada’s highest civilian honors, appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. Professor Seager is the author of, “The Smallest Lights in the Universe: A Memoir”.