TUESDAY, May 11, 2027
University Memorial Center (UMC) – 1669 Euclid Avenue (at the corner of Broadway & Euclid on the CU campus in Boulder) Glenn Miller Ballroom
Dr. Fran Bagenal, Senior Research Scientist at Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics and Professor at University of Colorado, Boulder
Dr. Bagenal is a senior research scientist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics and a professor of astrophysical and planetary sciences at the University of Colorado. Born and raised in the UK, Dr. Bagenal received her Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Geophysics from the University of Lancaster, England and her doctorate degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences from MIT in 1981. She spent five years as a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College, London before returning to the United States for research and faculty positions in Boulder.
She participated in several of NASA’s planetary exploration missions including Voyager 1 and 2, Galileo, Cassini, New Horizons, and Juno.
Lecture: Women Who Reached for the Stars, Boulder’s Place in Space, and What’s Next in Space
This thought-provoking lecture will examine the evolving landscape of space exploration through three interconnected perspectives: the pioneering contributions of women in space science, Colorado’s distinguished role in the aerospace community, and the extraordinary possibilities that lie ahead.
Dr. Bagenal will introduce us to the women whose groundbreaking contributions helped shape space exploration, the obstacles they overcame, and the evolution of women’s roles in space science.
The lecture will highlight Boulder’s significant contributions to space science and examine Colorado’s growing influence on the future of aerospace and exploration. Looking beyond our
own planet, we will consider some of the most compelling challenges facing space science today: the return of humans to the Moon, the exploration of Mars, the discovery and characterization of exoplanets, the capabilities of next-generation space telescopes, and one of humanity’s most profound questions – Is there life beyond Earth?
REGISTRATION Deadline April 23, 2027 6:00 p.m.
Luncheon Logistics
The Lecture-Luncheon doors open at 10:30 a.m. The lecture begins at 11:00 until 12:00. Lunch will be served after the lecture to encourage discussion of the lecture topic over lunch.
The price for the Lecture Luncheon is $28. If you are bringing guests you may also enter their names and pay for their lunches here. If you are bringing more than three guests please complete a second form.
If you are so inclined, you can also make an additional donation to the UWC Scholarship Program.
Looking forward to seeing you!