May 18, 2000

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

Release: J00-32

NASA Astronaut Speaks at National Science Olympiad at Eastern Washington University

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/.

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