Mount Maunganui College in collaboration with the New Zealand Astrobiology Network is proud to host an event celebrating 150 years of scientific partnership between New Zealand and the United States of America. 

This event is open to the public.

We are delighted to welcome two guests from the USA. 

• Dr. Mitch Schulte (NASA Program Scientist with the Mars Exploration Program)
  

• Dr. Graham Lau (Director of Communications and Marketing, Research Investigator & host of the NASA sponsored show 'Ask an Astrobiologist').  

  
  

Also attending the event will be the Earth and Space departments from various Universities across New Zealand. They will have information on the programs they offer and provide insight into their courses and the types of jobs available after University.

Milky Way Kiwi will have their solar telescope (weather dependent!), 3D printed Mars Rover and their mobile Planetarium.

Attendees will get a chance to chat with Dr. Schulte and Dr. Lau, the Universities and other guests (to be confirmed).

Doors open: 9.45am

Welcome speeches from distinguished guests: 10–10.30am

Open floor to visit exhibitors: 10.30am - 1200pm

Panel discussion led by Sam Leske: 1230–1.15pm

Panel members - Dr. Mitch Schulte, Dr. Graham Lau & Glen Willoughby (CEO at Staples VR).

This event is open to the public. Educators can also participate in Earth and Space PLD on the 22nd and 24th at the Astrobiology Conference.

Acknowledgements: A big thank you to Jim Critchley (jimc@mmc.school.nz) for sharing this article and ESSENZ and NZAN for organising this opportunity. Jim is the Bay of Plenty Regional Representative for ESSENZ.

Please contact info@bayscience.nz in the event of any errors/suggestions or if you would like to contribute a spotlight article.