Georgia Tech Events: Lecture Series

2004-05 Lecture Series

Fall 2004

Orlando Figueroa

Event photos here.

As Director for the Solar System Exploration and Director for the Mars Exploration Program in the Office of Space Science at NASA Headquarters, Orlando Figueroa provides the leadership and management expertise for the Agency’s program of robotic exploration of the planet Mars.

Mr. Figueroa received his B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus in 1978 and completed advanced courses in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland. His past experience includes the position of NASA Deputy Chief Engineer for Systems Engineering and 22 years at the Goddard Space Flight Center. His career at the Goddard Space Flight Center included: head of the Cryogenics Technology Section; manager for the Superfluid Helium On Orbit Transfer (SHOOT) Shuttle Experiment; manager for the Small Explorers project; manager for the Explorers Program; and Director of the Systems, Technology and Advanced Concepts Directorate.

Throughout his career, Mr. Figueroa has received numerous awards. He was awarded the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in March 1993 for the management of the SMEX Project. In 2002 he received the Pioneer Award from the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation for his contribution to the advancement of science and technology and for promoting the education of our youth. Also in 2002, the Hispanic Business Magazine selected him as one the most influential Hispanics in the Nation. Mr. Figueroa is the author of several technical publications in the field of cryogenics, the SMEX missions, and the Mars Exploration Program.

2003-04 Lecture Series: Past Speakers

Spring 2004

Enrique Peñalosa

Event photos here.

Former Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, Enrique Peñalosa was the political and administrative head of a city of 6.5 million inhabitants. During his tenure (1998-2001) Dr. Peñalosa was responsible for many accomplishments related to the promotion of a more sustainable development. He led massive efforts relating to issues of transportation, land use and housing for the poor, pollution abatement, and the critical need for public spaces.

In July 2002, Dr. Peñalosa launched a Foundation called “For the Country We Wish and Want” to promote a more egalitarian and environmentally sustainable model of city and society. Currently a Visiting Scholar at New York University, he is researching and writing a book on a new urban-development model for the Third World.