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    NASA Day

    Even if you missed NASA Day, take advantage of this learning opportunity using NASA's educational resources.

    EXPLORE EDUCATOR RESOURCES
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    NASA Day

    Dr. Douglass Terrier, NASA's Chief Technologist, will be speaking on campus on NASA Day at 7 p.m. in the Benson Auditorium.

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    NASA Day

    Dr. Ed Wilson began teaching at Harding in 1970 and helped secure almost $2 million research grants.

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    NASA Day

    Harding aided NASA in research on physical fitness in the 1960s.

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NASA Day — January 27, 2020

NASA Day at Harding was Jan. 27, hosted by the Department of Engineering and Physics. The day centered around a visit from NASA Chief Technologist Dr. Douglas Terrier, NASA's highest ranking technology official and the first NASA chief to visit Arkansas.

This date was also proclaimed by Governor Asa Hutchinson as NASA Day in Arkansas in recognition of Dr. Terrier’s visit. 

NASA Day at Harding was particularly meaningful to the University because of its storied past of NASA involvement. Beginning in the 1960s, when Harding conducted NASA grant-funded research related to astronaut physical fitness of benefit to the first moon launch, to Harding’s membership in the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium and scientific and technology research that continues today, the University maintains strong ties to America’s space program. 

Schools across the state were invited to recognize NASA Day and use related lesson plans and educational content provided below. Even if you missed NASA Day, you can still use these recourses in your classroom!

Evening Lecture — "Forward to the Moon: The NASA ARTEMIS Program" 

Dr. Terrier gave a presentation in the Benson Auditorium about how NASA’s Artemis project, which set the goal of returning American astronauts to the moon, including landing the first American woman on the moon in 2024. NASA views Artemis as the next step toward the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable American presence on the moon. The program also will lay the foundation for American private companies to build a lunar economy and expand American business into space. The mission is a foundational stepping stone for NASA’s long-term plans of sending Americans to Mars.

About NASA Chief Technologist Douglas Terrier

This is a photo of Douglass Terrier, NASA Chief Technologist.NASA Chief Technologist Douglas Terrier

Dr. Douglas Terrier is NASA’s Chief Technologist. He is the Agency’s principal adviser on technology and guides NASA’s comprehensive technology investment strategy. Prior to this assignment he was the Chief Technologist at the Johnson Space Center. Dr. Terrier’s previous leadership roles at NASA include: Deputy Director of JSC’s Strategic Partnership Office; and Associate Director of Engineering where he led teams responsible for development of spacecraft for NASA’s human exploration program.

Prior to joining NASA, Dr. Terrier worked in the commercial aerospace sector for a total of 23 years. He managed International Business Development for Lockheed Martin in the Asia/Pacific region. Dr. Terrier led Lockheed Martin’s Executive Strategy Team in their successful bid for the DOD’s Joint Strike Fighter program. He also served in project management roles on several DOD weapon system programs including: The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, F-22 Raptor; A-12 Lightning; National Aerospace Plane; and other classified programs.

Dr. Terrier earned a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas. He holds patents for his work in aerospace propulsion and has published numerous technical papers. He has earned the Lockheed Martin “Outstanding Technical Achievement” award on four occasions, several NASA “Superior Technical Accomplishment” awards, and the NASA Leadership medal.

Dr. Terrier is the proud father of two daughters and a son. In his spare time, he is an avid soccer player and an aircraft owner and pilot.

#NASADAYAR

Curious what happened on NASA Day? Follow along with content from Harding and other schools who participated at #NASAdayAR and #NASAdayHU!

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

Even if you missed NASA Day, you can bring this educational opportunity to your classroom using these lesson plans from NASA and coloring sheet pdf!
  • In the 1960s & 1970s, Harding conducted research for NASA on physical fitness for prolonged trips to space.

    Out of this World,
    Harding Magazine, Fall 2019

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  • Professor of Chemistry Edmond Wilson began working at Harding in 1970, and, during that time, he secured approximately $1.8 million in grants for the University.

    Learning Space,
    Harding Magazine, Fall 2015

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