About Roberta


Roberta Bondar first came to international prominence as the world's first neurologist in space, as an astronaut on the space shuttle Discovery mission STS 42 in 1992. Globally recognized for her contributions to space medicine, she continued as head of an international space medicine research team working with NASA for more than a decade, finding new connections between recovering from floating in space and neurological illnesses such as stroke and Parkinson's disease.


In addition to her work as a scientist and physician, she has since that time applied the insights gained in space to helping organizations and their leaders adapt to the uncharted territory of work and life.


As both a consultant and presenter, she has worked with CEOs and business leaders around the world who face the challenges of a business environment that is in continuous change. Her insights on creative problem solving, productivity, organizational culture, process and group dynamics have earned her a reputation as a thought leader and innovator on the cutting edge of leadership and change management.


As an author, environmental educator and celebrated landscape photographer, Dr. Bondar has also earned a reputation as a leading speaker and consultant within the medical and scientific communities, and in the field of corporate social responsibility and care for the Earth's environment.

Learn more:

BONDAR FAST FACTS

For almost 20 years, Dr. Roberta Bondar has been on the scientific forefront in how the brain adapts to unfamiliar environments.

Her achievements include:
• World's first astronaut-neurologist
• On the space shuttle Discovery mission STS 42 in 1992, Dr. Bondar conducted scientific experiments in the First International Microgravity Laboratory
• For more than a decade at NASA Dr. Bondar headed an international space medicine research team, continuing to find new connections between astronauts recovering from floating in space and neurological illnesses here on Earth (e.g. stroke and Parkinson's disease).
• Techniques developed br Dr. Bondar's research team have been used in clinical studies at BI Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School and at the University of New Mexico
• Currently, Dr. Bondar is in her second term as Chancellor of Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario.