BRAC University hosted an inspiring talk by Joseph M. Acaba, Chief of NASA's Astronaut Office and a veteran astronaut, at its Merul Badda campus on (December 15).
Acaba, a decorated astronaut with three space missions and two spacewalks, shared insights from his remarkable career. A former U.S. Marine, educator, and California native, he has spent 306 days in space, offering a wealth of knowledge and experience.
The event, titled “From Earth to Orbit: An Astronaut's Tale,” provided students and faculty a rare opportunity to interact with a real-life space explorer. Acaba discussed his journey to becoming an astronaut, life aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the science of space exploration, and the critical role of STEM education in shaping the future.
The program began with a welcome speech by Professor Mahbubul Alam Majumdar, Dean of the School of Data and Sciences at BRAC University. Scott E. Hartmann, Director for Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy Dhaka, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of international collaboration in space exploration.
During his speech, Acaba urged students to prioritize education, calling it the foundation of success for aspiring astronauts. He encouraged attendees to explore NASA’s website, which offers numerous opportunities for those passionate about space. Sharing stories of his challenges and triumphs, Acaba highlighted the value of learning from mistakes and perseverance in achieving dreams.
Acaba also emphasized the importance of preserving Earth, saying, “Our planet is wonderful. In space, a single wrong step can lead to disaster. We must be more careful about protecting our home.” He spoke about NASA’s vision for collaborative exploration, remarking, “If we want to go far, we need to go together.”
With an optimistic smile, Acaba expressed hope that one day someone from the audience might join NASA’s Artemis missions. He concluded his talk by answering students’ questions and offering valuable guidance.
The session was expertly moderated by Khairul Basher, Director of Communications at BRAC University. In his closing remarks, BRACU Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar inspired students to aim high, expressing hope that their names would one day be on NASA’s list of astronauts.
Among the distinguished attendees were Professor Arshad M. Chowdhury, Dean of the BSRM School of Engineering; Professor Sadia Hamid Kazi, Chairperson of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and faculty members and students from various departments.
This remarkable event reflected BRAC University’s commitment to fostering global opportunities for its students and inspiring the next generation of explorers.
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