Students of the Vintage High School in Napa, California, will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak with one of NASA's very own astronauts. In fact, the astronaut set to talk about science with the kids is an alum of the school itself. This is none other than Kate Rubins.
"When I was a kid, ever since I can remember, I had a list of career goals and astronaut was one of them. Any time you get a chance to talk to students, it's just fantastic. It really is inspiring to us, and we draw a lot from their enthusiasm," stated Rubins.
Rubins is currently on board the International Space Station (ISS). The live video call between the Napa alum and the high school kids will take place on Sept. 14 at exactly 1 p.m. It will be a 20-minute call set to air on NASA Television and NASA's website.
A graduate of Vintage High School in 1996, Rubins will answer questions the students may have about science. Prior to the video call, students have already learned about topics greatly related to Rubin's research while on board the ISS. These include Rubin's latest success at DNA sequencing in microgravity.
A first in human history, biologist-astronaut Rubins managed to successfully sequence DNA in microgravity, which was part of the Biomolecule Sequencer Experiment. Thanks to the success of the research, scientists claim that this opens up endless possibilities in terms of science and medicine.
"The Biomolecule Sequencer investigation moved us closer to this ability to sequence DNA in space by demonstrating, for the first time, that DNA sequencing is possible in an orbiting spacecraft," explains NASA.
As for interested media who wish to cover the event on Rubin's talk with the students of Vintage High School, contact Elizabeth Emmett. The Vintage High School of Napa, California, is located at 1375 Trower Avenue.