One of the world’s most famous astronauts has landed at the University of Waterloo.
The school announced Tuesday that Chris Hadfield, the Canadian astronaut who commanded the International Space Station for two months this spring, has been appointed as a professor of aviation.
“We’re looking forward to Chris joining us to do some teaching, research and advising,” aviation department chair Ian McKenzie tells CTV News.
“The aviation program here at the University of Waterloo is a very young program, so we’re looking for that opportunity for it to grow.”
Hadfield already has an association with the school, as he conducted postgraduate studies at Waterloo in 1982 and more recently worked with professor Richard Hughson to research the health of human hearts after space travel.
Earlier this year, while on board the ISS, Hadfield conducted a live question and answer session with Waterloo students.
“University of Waterloo is a premier school in Canada, and the things you’re learning are putting you on the right track not only to fly in space, but in setting you up for life,” he told the students.
“Waterloo’s a great city – I studied at the university, my son was born there. It’s a great part of Canada.”
Hadfield is expected to give a guest lecture at the school on Dec. 3.
“We haven’t got the details on it, but I’m sure it’ll be a very exciting lecture,” says McKenzie.
School officials say he will take on a stronger role at Waterloo in 2014, with teaching and advising responsibilities in the school’s aviation department – but with enough flexibility to pursue endeavours outside the university as well.
Becky Cornwall, a third-year aviation student, says she’s “extremely excited” to learn of Hadfield’s imminent arrival.
“That news has got me all jittery,” she says.
“He’s someone with so much experience and knowledge – he’s extremely well-rounded.”
Hadfield’s appointment is currently scheduled to last until 2016, but McKenzie says the school hopes for a “long-term relationship” with the Sarnia native.
