Robotics and space science go hand-in-hand to ensure the success of numerous planetary missions, and lead to life altering innovations that benefit professions on Earth such as enhanced brain surgeries, new prosthetic limb technology, and automated machinery. Space robotics in Canada, and across the world, is becoming a transferable skillset that can be applied to not only space science and planetary exploration, but the improvement of technology on Earth. I learn more about space robotics and how it is being used by aerospace companies to enhance space exploration from mechanical engineering student Vanessa Van Decker.

Guest Bio

Vanessa Van Decker is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering Student specializing in Mechatronics at Ryerson University under the prestigious President’s Scholarship. She has a passion for robotics and space exploration and explores that passion through the contribution of technical ideas and community leadership.

Vanessa strives to empower her community and is currently on the board of directors for the national non-profit Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Canada (SEDS) as the Events Chair. She led 6 Nasa Space Apps Hackathons across Canada and organized SEDS Canada’s annual Canadian Space Conference bringing together students, researchers, and space industry professionals. She is now the President on SEDS Canada, and has co-organized space webinars such as the Nepal x Canada in Space.

Beyond her technical accomplishments, Vanessa has a history of volunteerism. She has created discourse on important topics through organizing TEDxAlgonquinPark, and TEDxBrentwoodCollegeSchool. She volunteers for the Mechanical Engineering department as an Orientation Student Leader. Vanessa continues to mentor younger engineering students each year to reach a hand back after she has benefitted so much from mentorship, her mentorship and community work have been recognized by the LORAN provincial scholarship. Vanessa visits middle schools and high schools in her free time, especially in rural areas, to teach engineering and robotics concepts and inspire students with the possibilities available to them in STEM.

If you would like to learn more about Vanessa’s work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter @VanessaVDecker, and on Instagram @vanessavandecker.

If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.

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Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com