Latest news with #U.S.SpaceandRocketCenter
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Space and Rocket Center CEO on leave, VP/CFO takes over
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Dr. Kimberly Robinson, the CEO for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is currently on leave from her position. A spokesperson for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center told News 19 that U.S. Space and Rocket Center Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Brenda Perez will be assuming all CEO responsibilities. Robinson, a 31-year veteran at NASA assumed the role of Executive Director and CEO of February 2021. Joe Newberry, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission Board Chairman had this to say about Dr. Robinson when she was chosen as CEO: 'Along with her vast experience with NASA, Dr. Robinson brings an innovative spirit and the leadership skills needed to guide the Rocket Center as we plan for the future,' said Joe Newberry, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission board chairman. 'Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and brought her to the top of a rigorous and exhaustive search for our new Executive Director and CEO.' Vice President & CFO at U.S. Space & Rocket Center Brenda Perez has held her position since October 2019, according to her LinkedIn account. Additionally, details or Perez's LinkedIn Page describe her as an 'accounting professional who has 30 years of experience'. The page goes on to say that Perez is proficient at budgeting, financial reporting and analysis, and payroll and employee benefits administration. The reason for Dr. Robinson's leave of absence is unknown at this time. Perez will lead the helm of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for an undetermined amount of time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
U.S. Space & Rocket Center opens exhibit explaining weather tracking
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The U.S. Space and Rocket Center opened an exhibit Monday, taking a look at the connection between space and weather and how that weather impacts people each day. The exhibit, named 'How We Know the Weather,' explains the formation of weather systems and how experts use tools like radar to tell people what to expect in a forecast. Judge finds Former Decatur Police Officer Mac Marquette did not act in self-defense, murder trial rescheduled 'Weather, you know, affects everybody, everywhere, and so a better understanding of the weather makes a better life for those all around the world,' Baron Weather Institute Founder Bob Baron said. The exhibit includes 30 interactive and hands-on displays that start by exploring how the interaction between the Earth and Sun impacts weather across the planet. Baron said the exhibit is the result of years of collaboration between the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the Baron Weather Institute. 'Our company, Baron Weather, was very fortunate in actually being formed just as computers and big data were coming together,' Baron said. 'It has been a wonderful experience over the last 30 years now to discover new things about the weather and our ability to explain it, to support safety, but to also enjoy it as a feature of everyday life.' The exhibit takes a look at weather tracking technology through time and highlights the work done in the Tennessee Valley to track the weather. 'Huntsville and North Alabama sees a lot of severe weather,' News 19's Certified Chief Meteorologist, Danielle Dozier said. 'One of the big things that was missing, I think across our community, was some sort of science museum or weather exhibit. Now that we have it here at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, it's exciting. I'm excited to be in the exhibit, and you're going to learn a lot about dual polarization, radar and all of the radar technology that's come along the way over the last couple of decades to help improve how we track weather.' Danielle is featured in the exhibit, explaining some of the technology used to keep people safe. Dual-polarization radar is something you will see News 19's Weather Authority Team use to track severe weather. 'We call it debris tracker, and it allows us to see where debris is being lofted into the air and being able to identify a tornado as it's in progress,' Danielle said. The exhibit is open to the public, and admission is included with tickets to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Retired NASA engineer volunteers at age 95
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — This installment of 'Hoover's Heroes' features a retired NASA engineer who is still volunteering at the age of 95. Otha 'Skeet' Vaughan, Jr. has been a NASA Emeritus Docent at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for 10 years. The NASA Emeritus Docent program brings the expertise of NASA scientists and engineers to the guest experience. How a Huntsville man's childhood love for animals turned into a passionate mission in adulthood 'Skeet' is one of dozens of these volunteers who share their personal experiences and answer the frequent questions visitors ask. Pat Ammons, Senior Director of Public and Media Relations, says these docents truly bring the history and the technology to life. She also says 'Skeet' is a testament to living life well. And, what a life it's been so far! Nowadays you can find Skeet wearing one of the white lab coats with a NASA 'meatball' on the back near the excursion module exhibit armed with a baby food jar of 'moon dust.' However, his time with NASA goes way back to the beginning when in 1960 Huntsville became the Rocket City when Wernher von Braun led the newly formed Marshall Space Flight Center. As a charter member of the von Braun rocket development team, 'Skeet' worked as an engineer and research scientist developing space vehicles, researching missile flight performance, and solving engineering was years and years of groundbreaking work that helped allow men for the first time to leave Earth and explore the moon. His talents have contributed to the Apollo Program, the Apollo Lunar Exploration Program (Lunar Rover), Skylab, and the Space Shuttle. Skeet says it didn't feel like a job. 'I was having so much fun and I was meeting a lot of interesting people, too,' he said. Learn more about 'Skeet' and his story by watching the video found in this article. If you want to learn even more about 'Skeet' and his journey to NASA, visit his website for even more incredible details! We'd love for you to help us highlight other heroes around us! Just let us know who the hero in your life is and what makes them heroic, and we'll consider them for our Hoover's Heroes segment. To nominate them, fill out the form here: Submit a form. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Experts discuss Artificial Intelligence at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Symposium
HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — Artificial intelligence, more commonly known as AI is one of our nation's hottest topics. That's no different here in North Alabama as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center hosted its second AI Symposium. Over 80 dogs taken to Lauderdale County shelter as part of cruelty investigation 'We all have a role to play in figuring out where we want AI to go and what we're comfortable with, and, crucially, what we're not comfortable with,' Andrew Miller said. He is a clinical lecturer of law from Yale Law School. Miller said we will soon see AI in the courtroom. 'So whether it's the judge side or the actual lawyer side, you're going to see AI playing a role throughout the legal system, and it's important that we decide again where we like that, where we don't, and how to regulate it,' he said. City council approves bid to demolish long-standing Florence parking deck When it comes to the fear of artificial intelligence replacing jobs, he wants people to think about what they can bring to the workforce as humans. 'I would encourage people who are worried about this not to change their minds, but to use this as an opportunity to, to think about the role they play, not just in their companies, but in their communities and where they, as humans really add value,' he said. Kristianna Berger is a student at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. She was one of many who asked great questions. 'Learning how it's used in law and also how does that affect the workforce?' she asked. 'How is it going to, you know, we say replace our jobs…. is that really true and how is it going to affect our futures?' While our technology has come miles, even Miller said there is still a long way to go before we perfect Artificial Intelligence and all the questions it brings. 'The legal questions of how the responsibility works are really complicated and deserve serious, sustained attention,' Miller said. 'I think it'll take a little while before we figured out what we think the right answer is.' The symposium will continue through Thursday and walk-in registration is available if anyone would like to attend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
