INTRODUCTION:

The reason why I decided to choose Robert Brent Thirsk is because he is from New Westminister and he is an astronaut, also nobody else I know realized that so I decided to go For it. He is one of the rare people from Greater Vancouver Area who became an astronaut and start working for Nasa. I also think he is a good role model for people who want to became astronauts, and follow the steps of one of our best astronauts.

PERSONAL DATA:

Born August 17, 1953, in New Westminister, British Columbia. Married to Brenda Biasutti of Montreal, Quebec. They have three children. Bob enjoys spending time with his family as well as flying, hockey, squash, and playing the piano.

EDUCATION:

Attended primary and secondary schools in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. Received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Calgary in 1976, a master of science degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1978, a doctorate of medicine degree from McGill University in 1982, and a master of business administration degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1998.

ORGANIZATIONS:

Member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, the Canadian College of Family Physicians, the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, the Aerospace Medical Association, the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and of British Columbia, and the Ontario Medical Association. He is also a Director of the Canadian Foundation for the International Space University.

SPECIAL HONOURS:

Won the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta Gold Medal in 1976. First recipient of the University of Calgary Distinguished Alumni Award (1985). In 1997, was awarded the Gold Medal of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and was awarded honorary membership in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.

EXPERIENCE

Dr. Thirsk did research in biomedical engineering during his years at MIT and McGill University. He was in the Family Medicine Residency Program at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Montreal when he was selected to begin astronaut training. As one of the six Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983, Dr. Thirsk began astronaut training in February 1984. He served as back up Payload Specialist to Marc Garneau for Mission 41 - G which flew October 5 to 13, 1984. Dr. Thirsk is currently co - leader of an international team investigating the effect of weightlessness on the body's venous system. He has designed an experimental "anti - gravity suit" that may help astronauts readapt more easily to life on Earth. Dr. Thirsk regularly participates in parabolic flight experiment campaigns on board NASA's KC - 135 aircraft and has been involved in several Space Medicine, Space Station and mission planning working groups. He served as Chief Astronaut of the Canadian Space Agency in 1993 and 1994. In February 1994, he was Crew Commander for the Canadian Astronaut Program Space Unit Life Simulation (CAPSULS), a simulated 7 - day space mission in which four Canadian astronauts participated. From September 1994 to March 1995, Dr. Thirsk undertook a program of specialized training in Victoria, B.C., designed to enhance his expertise as a crew member of an upcoming space mission. This included medical practice, research, and Russian language training. As an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria, he continues his research in space medicine. In April 1995, Dr. Thirsk was selected as a payload specialist for the Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission (STS - 78), an international research mission scheduled for mid - 1996 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. It launched on June 20, 1996. During the 17 - day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, Dr. Thirsk conducted a series of 43 life and microgravity experiments aboard the Space lab - - a fully - equipped international space laboratory carried in the shuttle's cargo bay. The results of the Canadian life sciences Torso Rotation Experiment (TRE) led by McGill University in Montreal and sponsored by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will help develop a cure for motion sickness and morning sickness in pregnancy. Source: NASA/Canadian Space Agency ROBERT (Bob) BRENT THIRSK (M.D., P.Eng, M.B.A.) Payload Specialist Canadian Astronaut Birthplace and date: Born August 17, 1953, New Westminster, British Columbia. Education: Attended primary and secondary schools in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. Received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary in 1976, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1978, a Doctorate of Medicine degree from McGill University in 1982, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1998. Marital status: Married to Brenda Biasutti of Montreal, Quebec. Children: Daughter Lisane born April 17, 1987, son Elliot born June 4, 1990 and son Aidan born May 5, 1996. Experience: Bob did research in biomedical engineering during his years at MIT and McGill University. He was in the Family Medicine residency program at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Montreal when he was selected to begin astronaut training. As one of the six original Canadian astronauts selected in December 1983, Bob began astronaut training in February 1984. He served as back-up payload specialist to Marc Garneau for shuttle mission 41-G which flew October 5 to 13, 1984. He was the leader of an international team investigating the effect of weightlessness on the body's venous system. He has designed an experimental "anti-gravity suit" that may help astronauts readapt more easily to life back on Earth following spaceflight. Bob has participated in many parabolic flight experiment campaigns on board NASA's KC-135 aircraft and has been involved in several space medicine, space station and shuttle mission planning working groups. He has led space education projects designed for Canadian grade school students. Bob served as Chief Astronaut of the Canadian Space Agency in 1993 and 1994. In February 1994, he was Crew Commander for the CAPSULS mission, a simulated 7-day space mission that involved the participation of four Canadian astronauts and several international science teams. In 1994/95, Bob spent a sabbatical year in Victoria, BC. During this time, he pursued training in clinical medicine and Russian language. As an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria, he continued his research in space medicine. On June 20, 1996, Bob flew as a payload specialist aboard space shuttle mission STS-78, the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) mission. During this 17-day flight aboard the shuttle Columbia, he and his six crewmates performed 43 international experiments devoted to the study of life and materials sciences. The life science experiments investigated changes in plants, animals and humans under spaceflight conditions. The materials science experiments examined protein crystallisation, fluid physics and high-temperature solidification of multi-phase materials in a weightless environment. In June 1998, Bob completed the one-year Sloan Fellows management program at the MIT Sloan School of Management in Boston. Through this program, he gained advanced academic and professional expertise in executive management. In August 1998, Bob was assigned by the Canadian Space Agency to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to pursue advanced astronaut training. This long-term program involves instruction on both Shuttle and Space Station systems. At present, Bob advises the NASA Astronaut Office on technical issues related to the Space Station's Thermal Control System. He also participates in the development of CSA curriculum products for Canadian students.

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