Wednesday, Feb. 10
Dr. Bernard A. Harris
CEO, The National Math and Science Initiative
Dr. Harris earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Texas Tech University School of Medicine and completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, a National Research Council Fellowship in Endocrinology at the NASA Ames Research Center, and Flight Surgeon training at the Aerospace School of Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base. He was accepted in the NASA Astronaut Corps in 1990 and completed space flight missions in 1993 and 1995. While at NASA, Dr. Harris conducted research in musculoskeletal physiology and clinical investigations of space adaptation and developed in-flight medical devices to extend Astronaut stays in space.
On Feb. 9, 1995, Dr. Harris became the first Black man to complete a space walk for NASA. He also was the first astronaut to insert an intravenous line and complete a physical for a fellow crew member.
After leaving NASA, Dr. Harris founded the Harris Institute and Foundation to support STEM enrichment programs for under-served students around the country. He also became managing partner of Versalius Ventures, a med-tech investment firm.
Dr. Harris is a founding board member for the National Math and Science Initiative, a nonprofit that works with local school systems nationwide to expand access and achievement in STEM education for all students.
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