Biography:
Roberta Lynn Bondar CC OOnt FRCPC FRSC, born on December 4, 1945, is a Canadian astronaut, neurologist, and consultant. She holds the distinction of being Canada’s first female astronaut and the first neurologist to travel to space. Bondar’s contributions to space medicine research, her work with NASA, and her subsequent consulting and speaking engagements have made her a respected figure in the business, scientific, and medical communities.
Bondar’s impressive list of honours includes being appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. She also received the prestigious NASA Space Flight Medal, in addition to over 28 honorary degrees. Her achievements have been recognized with inductions into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame. Bondar has even received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Bondar grew up with a passion for the sciences. Her father, of Ukrainian descent, worked for the Sault Ste. Marie Public Utilities Commission, while her mother, of English descent, was an educator. Bondar’s love for science began in childhood, with her father building a laboratory in their basement where she conducted numerous experiments. It was during this time that she dreamt of becoming an astronaut, setting her on a path of determination to prove her capabilities as a woman.
Bondar attended Sir James Dunn High School in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, before pursuing her higher education. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in zoology and agriculture from the University of Guelph in 1968. She proceeded to earn a Master of Science in experimental pathology from the University of Western Ontario in 1971. In 1974, Bondar completed her Doctor of Philosophy in neuroscience from the University of Toronto, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University in 1977.
During her undergraduate years, Bondar worked with the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Forestry, gaining valuable research experience. In 1983, she was chosen as one of the first six members of the Canadian Astronaut Corps. This selection marked the beginning of her astronaut training in 1984. By 1992, Bondar was designated as the Payload Specialist for the first International Microgravity Laboratory Mission (IML-1).
Bondar’s momentous journey into space came on the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery during Mission STS-42 from January 22 to 30, 1992. During this mission, she conducted over 40 experiments in the Spacelab. Her primary focus was studying the effects of low-gravity situations on the human body. Bondar’s groundbreaking research allowed NASA to better prepare astronauts for extended stays aboard the space station.
After her astronaut career, Bondar led an international team of researchers at NASA for more than a decade. Her work involved examining data obtained from astronauts who had been on space missions, with a particular emphasis on understanding the mechanisms behind the body’s ability to recover from exposure to space. Bondar’s research considered the linkages between space recovery and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, while also exploring other neurological effects.
In addition to her contributions to space exploration and medicine, Bondar has pursued her interests in photography, with a focus on capturing the beauty of natural environments. Her dedication to nature conservation and environmentalism is evident in her work, and she has shared her insights with audiences during presentations and speaking engagements.
Throughout her illustrious career, Roberta Bondar has been a trailblazer, breaking barriers for women in space and the sciences. Her achievements exemplify the strength, intelligence, and determination of women, and she continues to inspire generations with her remarkable contribution to both science and humanity.
Awards:
– Companion of the Order of Canada
– Order of Ontario
– NASA Space Flight Medal
– Over 28 honorary degrees
– Inductee into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
– Inductee into the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame
– Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame