Astronaut urges Students at Second Annual ChAMP Research Conference to Soar!


Major Michael P. Anderson, NASA astronaut, was the keynote speaker at the Second Annual ChAMP Student Research Conference held at DePaul University. Major Anderson took time from his busy schedule to encourage over 150 undergraduate minority students to pursue careers in science, math, engineering and technology fields. Major Anderson works as	an astronaut at NASA and is scheduled to go on his first launch into space in January, 1998. He will shuttle to the Russian MIR space station. Major Anderson spoke to the students about what an astronaut does in space and mentioned the various research projects conducted in space. He attributes his success to his ability to take risks and act upon his dreams.	According to Major Anderson, "I was scared Everyone is scared. I think the biggest thing that holds a lot of people back is the fear of taking that first step to go out and take the challenge. I really want to encourage kids to decide what it is they want to do and figure out the best way to achieve that and then go out there and take the chance and try to do it!"