On April twenty fourth, NSS member, scholar and incapacity activist, Dr. Austin Mardon, FRCGS, IAA, was honored with the distinguished NASA Excellence in Range, Fairness, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) medal. This award celebrates his excellent efforts in fostering inclusivity throughout the realm of area exploration and past in the course of the course of his profession. Dr. Mardon, famend for his tutorial experience and tireless advocacy, stands as an inspiration within the pursuit of a extra inclusive world.
The award (photograph under) was introduced by Casey Swails, NASA Deputy Affiliate Administrator, and accepted on Dr. Mardon’s behalf by Jill Smyth, Counselor, House Affairs, Embassy of Canada to america at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Picture credit score: NASA/Joel Kowsky
Dr. Mardon just isn’t solely an educator however a multifaceted explorer whose contributions span geography, planetary science, and theology. With over 360 scholarly papers, 300 books, and quite a few different publications to his title, Dr. Mardon is certainly one of Canada’s most prolific tutorial students. His groundbreaking work on meteorites and comets has garnered acclaim from prestigious establishments similar to Nature Journal, the Science Journal, and NASA. Holding professorships at each the College of Alberta and the College of Lethbridge, he has left an indelible mark on academia.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Mardon expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him by NASA, remarking, “It felt like coming house.” This sentiment encapsulates the profound significance of this recognition, symbolizing the end result of a lifetime devoted to advancing inclusivity and accessibility.
Dr. Mardon’s path to success has been fraught with challenges. In 1986, he launched into a groundbreaking expedition to Antarctica funded by NASA, the place he unearthed over 700 meteorites, incomes him the Antarctic Service Medal. Nevertheless, the cruel circumstances of the expedition left him bodily and mentally debilitated. Regardless of these setbacks, Dr. Mardon persevered, persevering with his tutorial pursuits and contributing considerably to astronomical science.
Mardon Antarctic camp. Credit score: Austin Mardon.
“I haven’t completed as a lot as I needed however I’m very proud,” he continued, reminiscing on the challenges all through his journey. “I utilized in Canada to be an astronaut after I was a younger man earlier than I acquired sick, so to obtain a NASA medal at my age after every part that has occurred is rather a lot.”
Tragedy struck Dr. Mardon once more in 1991 when he was recognized with schizophrenia. Undeterred by his situation and bodily limitations ensuing from frostbite, he pursued a Ph.D. in geography and emerged as a number one advocate for incapacity rights. Over the previous three many years, he has championed psychological well being consciousness and accessibility, incomes accolades such because the Order of Canada and the Canadian Medical Affiliation (CMA) Medal of Honour.
Past his tutorial achievements, Dr. Mardon’s influence extends to fostering alternatives for scholar development. As President and Founding father of the Antarctic Institute of Canada, he has spearheaded initiatives to empower college students from various backgrounds, offering over $4 million CAD in funding. By collaborations with authorities companies and youth empowerment organizations, Dr. Mardon has facilitated employment alternatives for over 600 college students, nurturing the subsequent era of students and activists.
Moreover, Dr. Mardon’s advocacy extends to area exploration, the place he collaborates with Mission: AstroAccess to advertise the inclusion of people with disabilities in area missions. His efforts are paving the way in which for elevated variety and illustration throughout the astronaut corps, making certain that area exploration is accessible to all.
In recognition of his exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication to variety and inclusion, Dr. Austin Mardon stands as a deserving recipient of the NASA DEIA Medal. His tireless activism and contributions to academia function a testomony to the transformative energy of inclusivity in shaping the way forward for area exploration and past. As his legacy continues to encourage generations to come back, Dr. Mardon stays a beacon of hope and progress within the quest for a extra inclusive world.
The Nationwide House Society extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Austin Mardon on his illustrious profession and up to date recognition with the distinguished NASA Excellence in Range, Fairness, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) medal.
