Dr. Shawna Pandya

Dr. Shawna Pandya is a physician, newly named astronaut with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), and a pioneer at the frontier of space exploration and extreme environments. As Canada's first named female commercial astronaut, she embodies the spirit of adventure and scientific discovery.

Dr. Pandya's remarkable journey includes:

Veteran of 17 parabolic flight campaigns, with over 250 parabolas of microgravity experience Two-time aquanaut, logging over 235 hours underwater during the NEPTUNE and NEP2NE missions Scientific co-lead on the inaugural IIAS suborbital research flight First crew member to test a commercial spacesuit in zero-gravity in 2015 Director of the IIAS Space Medicine Group and Chief Instructor of the IIAS Space Medicine course University/graduate-level instructor in "Technology and the Future of Medicine" with 15 years' experience, teaching students to think critically about the promise and pitfalls of the intersection of medicine and exponential technologies

Her expertise spans neuroscience, space studies, medicine, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pandya is a Fellow of the Explorers' Club, a Karman Pioneer, and was named one of the "50 Explorers Changing the World" in 2022. She holds a black belt in Taekwondo and has trained in Muay Thai fight camps in Thailand. As a keynote speaker, Dr. Pandya captivates audiences with her insights on resilience, innovation, and pushing human limits. She draws from her diverse experiences, from conducting space medicine research to inspiring others to embrace lifelong learning and tackle humanity's greatest challenges. Dr. Pandya's work has been profiled by Nature Careers and the Royal Canadian Mint. She continues to break barriers in space exploration while advocating for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Her talks blend cutting-edge science with personal anecdotes, leaving audiences inspired to reach for the stars - both literally and figuratively.