Leroy Chiao

Astronaut and speaker Leroy Chiao, Ph.D., works in aerospace and business, and is active as a consultant and speaker. He has worked extensively in both government and commercial space programs, and is a part of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute and the Center for Space Medicine, both of which are attached to the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Chiao also works as a consultant and public speaker. He has extensive experience as a NASA astronaut and prior to that, as a research engineer. He is involved in entrepreneurial business ventures and works in the US, China, Japan, and Russia. In addition, Dr. Chiao is a Director of InNexus, a biotechnology/pharmaceutical development company. He is a member of the Committee of 100, and also serves as an advisor and spokesman for the Heinlein Prize Trust.

Dr. Chiao left NASA in December 2005 following a 15-year career with the agency. A veteran of four space missions, Dr. Chiao most recently served as Commander and NASA Science Officer of Expedition 10 aboard the International Space Station. He has logged over 229 days in space—over 36 hours of which were spent in Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA, or spacewalks). From June–September 2009, he served as a member of the White House appointed Review of US Human Spaceflight Plans Committee, and currently serves on the NASA Advisory Council.

A native English speaker, Dr. Chiao also speaks Mandarin Chinese and Russian. He has flown space missions and worked closely with Russian, Japanese, and European Astronauts and their affiliated space agencies. Dr. Chiao is uniquely qualified to speak about American, Russian, Japanese, European, and Chinese space programs. A space station commander and space shuttle mission specialist, Dr. Chiao was also a certified co-pilot of the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. He is an expert in all facets of US and Russian EVA hardware and operations and is EVA certified in US and Russian spacesuits, tools, and training programs. In September 2006, Chiao became the first American to visit the Astronaut Research and Training Center of China. There, he met the first two national Chinese astronauts, Yang Liwei and Fei Junlong.

Dr. Chiao studied Chemical Engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1983. He continued his studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara, earning his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in 1985 and 1987. Prior to joining NASA in 1990, he worked as a Research Engineer at Hexcel Corp. and then at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab.

Dad, Can I Borrow the Keys to the Hovercraft? Your Life On the Next Quantum Level

Dr. Leroy Chiao is no stranger to technology. After earning three degrees in chemical engineering, he held a Q-clearance for nuclear weapons related work at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before embarking on his 15-year career as a NASA astronaut.

Offering an exciting glimpse into life on the next quantum level, Dr. Chiao presents a world in which technology has accelerated much more quickly than during the last quantum jump. Imagine a world in which you are connected directly to the Internet using thought-controlled computer augmentation and a virtual heads-up display. A world in which sensors can identify you instantly, allowing you to travel smoothly and securely, whether you use commercial travel or your automatically piloted vehicle. Imagine a life where personalized medicine allows treatments tailored to your genetics, where replacement organs are grown to be identical to your own.

Take this out-of-the-box tour as Dr. Chiao guides you to your life on the next quantum level!

Warp Speed: How Technology is Accelerating and the Importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education

In this dynamic world, technology is advancing at an ever-increasing rate. What is happening now will affect the future. Chiao talks about exciting technology developments, including the emerging new area of private commercial spaceflight, and why science, technology, engineering and math education is more important now than ever.

Success in Multicultural Space

In this shrinking world and universe, opportunities abound for educators and students who understand the advantages of multicultural teams. Chiao creates lessons from his experience flying international space missions as a Chinese-American Astronaut working with Russian, Japanese, European, Canadian, and American Astronauts and specialists.

Dare to Dream, Strive to Achieve

In 1969, an eight-year-old boy watched the first Apollo moon landing and dreamed of becoming an Astronaut. He strived, persevered, and reached those dreams. Chiao speaks passionately about the fundamental lesson of being true to oneself. He inspires people of all ages to dream, and shares practical tools to achieve those dreams.

How to Think Like an Astronaut: Solving Problems Decisively, Creatively and In Time!

Effective leadership can mean the difference between life and death, success and failure. Learn from the experiences of the Commander of a 193-day mission aboard the International Space Station, including real emergency situations. Chiao uses his personal experience aboard spacecraft to illustrate how reaching for the stars is important. Even more so, he hones the operational decision making skills required to not only stay alive, but to thrive!

View From the On-High: Adventures of a Professional Astronaut

Experience spaceflight from the on-high perch of the International Space Station. Get a behind-the-scenes tour from Astronaut Chiao, the Commander of Expedition X. View the private living quarters, work stations, and research labs as shown in the stunning personal photographs taken during his six and a half month stay in space. Chiao’s riveting, poignant and often hilarious personal stories make this an unforgettable experience.

Leadership Lessons from the International Space Station: Culture, Teamwork and Getting Things Done

Leading a spaceflight is a demanding endeavor that requires the ultimate in teamwork and multicultural understanding. Apply the knowledge and actions used in the space program; learn firsthand lessons of team building from former space station Commander, Chiao. His role as the driving force behind an expedition into the world of zero-gravity is a prime example of how dynamic leadership can inspire groups to touch the sky!