2008 Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day (Saturday, January 26, 2008)

8:00am – 3:00pm
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, Hawaii

This year’s Onizuka Science Day kicked off in the UHH Theatre. With the booming soundtrack of Star Trek, Final Frontier, heavy smoke, and a dazzling light effect, the Klingon Kurn, Captain of the Imperial Klingon Vessel HecK Tar, Klingon Defense Force, saluted the participants of the 8th annual event.

Chancellor Rose Tseng managed to attend despite a hectic schedule, and prior engagements at Hogwarts University.

Approximately 570 students in grades 4-12, and their parents registered to participate in the opening ceremonies featuring keynote speaker, Astronaut Barbara Morgan, who spent over 12 days in outer space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor, and the International Space Station.

Morgan was selected as the backup candidate for the NASA Teacher in Space Program on July 19, 1985. From September 1985 to January 1986, Morgan trained with Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger crew at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. Following the Challenger accident, Morgan assumed the duties of Teacher in Space Designee. http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/morgan.html

Barbara’s presentation set the stage for a day of over 21 engaging, interactive workshops with titles from “Wooly Magma Felted Earth” to “Food Safety: Growing your own Non-Circulating Hydroponic Lettuce.”

Mahalo to all of the organizers and volunteers who dedicated their resources to putting on another incredible event for the youth of the Big Island!

View the event site here: http://www.spacegrant.hawaii.edu/OnizukaDay/

JUSTSAP (Japan/US Space Technology Applications Program) Testimonial from Jim Crisafulli

“JUSTSAP is an international association of distinguished scientists, educators, government officials and business leaders pursuing multinational ventures in space exploration, has been holding its annual symposium in Hawai`i since 1990.

Many of our meetings have been held on the Big Island and the reception, ambiance and professionalism is always outstanding.

Hawaii’s resident scientific and technological expertise, mild climate, and long-standing ties with nations throughout the Asia-Pacific region make the Big Island an ideal venue in which to stage this prestigious science and technology conference.

Working in collaboration with the UH Hilo Conference Center’s – one stop shop – has provided us with the most outstanding logistical support, hospitality and creative meeting management. We are always assured of an exceptional experience!”

Jim Crisafulli
Director, Office of Aerospace Development
DBEDT/State of Hawaii
Site: Waikoloa Marriott (2x), Hapuna Prince (1x), Hawaii Naniloa Hotel (1x)
Additional organizers from JAPAN (JAXA) which is the equivalent to NASA