photo of Kathy Sullivan

Kathy Sullivan

AstraFemina

Dr. Kathryn Sullivan is a distinguished scientist, astronaut, and senior executive. She was one of the first 6 women to join the NASA astronaut corps in 1978 and later became the first American woman to walk in space.

Dr. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences from University of California at SantaCruz and a Ph.D. in Geology from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia. She researched and published works on geodynamics, geochemistry, and geothermal features.

At NASA, Dr. Sullivan logged over 500 hours in space, contributing her extensive earth science background to the success of 3 shuttle missions. On STS-41G, she was the lead astronaut for a suite of earth remote sensing experiments. On STS-31, she was the EVA (spacewalk) specialist for the Hubble Space Telescope deployment mission, after 5 years developing specialized tools and procedures. On STS-45, she was the Payload Commander for the ATLAS-1 earth and atmospheric sciences Spacelab mission.

Dr. Sullivan then held a variety of senior executive positions, including Presidential appointments to the National Science Board and as Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As President and CEO of Ohio’s Center of Science & Industry, she oversaw the comprehensive redesign of the museum’s hands-on science exhibits and educational programs.

Dr. Sullivan’s many honors and awards include election to the National Academy of Engineering, the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and Women Aviators Hall of Fame. She has been recognized as one of 46 “First Women” by Time Magazine: “The Explorer” (2017) and one of the “15 Women Changing the World in 2015” by the World Economic Forum.

As a member of AstraFemina and Lifetime Girl Scout, Dr. Sullivan shares her STEM experiences and serves as a role model for the next generation. The AstraFemina mission is fundamental and powerful: to spark the interest of more girls and young women and build their confidence to join the STEM community.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Events featuring Kathy Sullivan
Events featuring Kathy Sullivan