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Made to take flight

Jenni Sidey-Gibbons, BEng’11

Canadian Space Agency astronaut

Jenni Sidey-Gibbons, B Eng’11; Canadian Space Agency Astronaut

For me, a university education represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for advancement and discovery. The value that McGill places on scientific exploration and innovation encouraged me to apply. 

As I sat through my first lectures in thermodynamics, I couldn’t have known the journey it would take me on.”

I began as an undergraduate at McGill studying mechanical engineering with a specific interest in aircraft design. As my studies progressed, I was introduced to energy research and I discovered my passion for combustion science. As I sat through my first lectures in thermodynamics, I couldn’t have known the journey it would take me on – even though I did have the opportunity to work on a Canadian space science project as part of my undergraduate research. 

The knowledge, passion, and drive which was shared by my lecturers at McGill became the cornerstone of my career – propelling me through a PhD program and eventually to my own faculty appointment at University of Cambridge in England.

In 2017, I was selected to be an astronaut at the Canadian Space Agency and begin a new adventure in Houston, Texas. My prime responsibility now is to work with Canadians and international partners to explore the boundaries of human space flight. Thank you!