Short Takes

September 17, 2019 | Jim Townsend

Training astronauts for space travel, virtually!

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to train for space travel, come learn what it takes from former astronaut Gregory Chamitoff and virtual reality pioneer Evelyn Miralles on Monday, Oct. 7, 6-8 p.m. at University of Houston-Clear Lake at Pearland.

Although astronauts go through thousands of hours of training before taking off to space, some trainings include “virtual components” that resemble the real world and cannot be replicated on Earth.

Chamitoff served six months aboard the International Space Station in 2008. Miralles left her NASA virtual reality laboratory in May to join UH-Clear Lake as associate vice president for strategic information initiatives and technology.

The discussion is in room 102 of UHCL Pearland’s Health Sciences and Classroom Building, 1200 Pearland Pkwy.

UHCL: yesterday, today and tomorrow

Happy 45th birthday, UHCL! Join former and current faculty members as they share stories of their service to University of Houston-Clear Lake, starting from the day the university opened its doors in 1974.

Revisit their journey through the past with them as they remember the highlights and challenges the university has met and overcome over the last 45 years. They’ll also share their vision for the university for the decades to come, as we continue together on our path of growth, success and excellence. This discussion is Thursday, Oct. 10, 5:30-7p.m. in the Garden Room of the Bayou Building, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston.

Learn more about UHCL’s history and its look to the future at www.uhcl.edu/45. 

Friday Morning Continuing Education starts Oct. 4

The fall season of University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Friday Morning Continuing Education lecture series begins Oct. 4 with lectures at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

At 9 a.m., Professor of Philosophy Keith Parsons will present “Get in Touch with your Inner Viking!” – a discussion of the history, culture, and achievements of a remarkable people. At 11 a.m., Professor of Criminology Everette Penn will discuss “Citizen and Police Interaction: Traffic Stop Safety and the ‘Color of Law.’”  Penn and a guest FBI agent will talk about the FBI’s role in conducting a civil rights investigation, as well as the procedures to follow during a traffic stop.

Membership for the series is $26 per semester. Courses fees are $18 per class. To register or for more information, go to Friday Morning Continuing Education online.  

Any individual who requires a special accommodation to take advantage of or participate in this program should contact the UHCL ADA Coordinator at 281-283-2648 at least one week prior to the program date to arrange for the accommodation.