Education

From Zoology to Orbit: UBC Alumna Jessica Meir Connects with Students from ISS

NASA astronaut and UBC alumna Jessica Meir connects with students from the ISS, sharing insights on zero-gravity life, motherhood, and her journey from zoology.

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3 weeks ago

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A Connection Across the Atmosphere

University of British Columbia (UBC) alumna and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir recently provided students at her former campus with a rare glimpse into life aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Serving as the commander of the NASA SpaceX Crew-12 mission, Meir participated in a live 20-minute Zoom session, bridging the 400-kilometer gap between the orbiting laboratory and the Vancouver campus. With a UBC flag visible in the background and her hair floating in the weightless environment, Meir shared the triumphs and challenges of her eight-month mission.

The Realities of Zero-Gravity Living

During the interactive session, Meir answered a wide range of questions from high school and university students, as well as curious youngsters from a local daycare. She offered a candid look at the logistical hurdles of life in space, explaining that even basic tasks like drinking water or using the washroom require significant adjustment in a zero-gravity environment. Beyond the technical aspects, Meir spoke about the personal sacrifices of long-duration spaceflight, including missing her husband and three-year-old daughter back on Earth.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

Meir, who studied zoology at UBC between 2009 and 2012, has become a symbol of academic and professional excellence for the university community. Her journey from studying animal physiology to commanding a multi-national space mission highlights the diverse career paths available to STEM graduates. To the delight of the audience—which included a toddler dressed in a miniature NASA spacesuit—Meir demonstrated the playful side of physics by performing somersaults in mid-air, illustrating the unique freedom of microgravity.

A Legacy of Exploration

This event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of outreach in space exploration. By connecting directly with students, Meir is helping to humanize the experience of being an astronaut while encouraging young minds to pursue ambitious goals in science and exploration. As she continues her eight-month stint on the ISS, her story remains a point of pride for the UBC community and a testament to the global impact of Canadian-educated researchers.

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Economy

Breaking the Stigma: Federal Minister Calls for Youth Pivot to Skilled Trades

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu calls for an end to skilled trades stigma, highlighting high earning potential and critical labor needs in Canada.

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5 days ago

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April 13, 2026

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Addressing the Generational Divide in Career Choice

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu is leading a push to reshape the Canadian workforce, urging young Canadians to reconsider the skilled trades as a primary career path. Speaking at the University of Ottawa, Hajdu emphasized that the long-standing societal stigma surrounding vocational training must be dismantled to meet the nation’s ambitious infrastructure and housing goals. Drawing from her own upbringing in Thunder Bay, Ontario, she noted that students pursuing trade-specific education were often unfairly marginalized, a trend she says has persisted for decades.

The Economic Shift Toward Vocational Excellence

For over forty years, the prevailing narrative in Canadian education has prioritized university degrees as the sole gateway to financial stability. However, Hajdu argues that this singular focus has overlooked the high earning potential and job security found within the skilled trades. With a significant portion of the current workforce approaching retirement, Canada faces a critical labor shortage that threatens to stall construction projects and essential maintenance across the country. The Minister suggests that the modern trades offer sophisticated, high-tech career opportunities that are often more lucrative than traditional white-collar roles.

Incentivizing the Next Generation of Builders

To combat the looming capacity constraints, the federal government is exploring new incentives designed to support young workers through the rigorous apprenticeship and training process. These measures aim to lower the barriers to entry for fields such as construction, electrical work, and plumbing. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials have echoed this sentiment, suggesting that there has never been a better time for youth to enter the sector, given the multi-billion dollar long-term investments planned for the national housing strategy. By integrating trade promotion into the broader conversation about affordable education, the government hopes to create a more resilient and balanced national economy.

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Education

To the Moon and Back: Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen Inspires Future Generations

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen engages with students ahead of the historic Artemis II mission, inspiring the next generation of space explorers.

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2 weeks ago

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April 5, 2026

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A Historic Milestone for Canada

In a final series of public engagements before his historic journey, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen has been connecting with students across the country to discuss the upcoming Artemis II mission. As the first Canadian selected to circle the moon, Hansen carries with him the aspirations of a nation and the responsibility of representing Canada’s growing influence in international space exploration. During these interactive sessions, Hansen has been providing unprecedented insights into the rigorous preparation and the daily realities of life on the final frontier.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Explorers

The outreach efforts are designed to demystify space travel and spark curiosity among young Canadians. From questions about how astronauts sleep in microgravity to the technical challenges of deep-space navigation, Hansen has addressed a wide range of inquiries with a focus on education and inspiration. These discussions serve a dual purpose: preparing the public for the mission’s objectives and ensuring that the momentum for Canada’s space program continues with the next generation of scientists, engineers, and pilots.

The Road to Artemis II

The Artemis II mission represents a pivotal step in NASA’s broader strategy to establish a long-term presence on the lunar surface and eventually venture toward Mars. By including international partners like the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the mission highlights the collaborative nature of modern space exploration. For Canada, Hansen’s seat on the Orion spacecraft is a testament to the country’s decades of contribution to space technology, including the iconic Canadarm. As launch day approaches, these community dialogues reinforce the human element of spaceflight, reminding us that behind every technological feat are the dreams of people looking up at the stars.

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