TORONTO – The University of Waterloo has announced that former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will join its faculty as a professor of aviation.
Hadfield soared to international fame during his mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) earlier this year. His use of Twitter helped to increase awareness of the space program and earned him star status within social media circles.
Read more: One-on-one with Cmdr. Chris Hadfield
“We are delighted to welcome Chris Hadfield to the University of Waterloo as a member of our faculty,” Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo said in a press release. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students and researchers to work with, and learn from, one of the greatest Canadians of recent times.”
Read more: By the numbers: Chris Hadfield’s 5-month mission in space
Hadfield will participate in research by professor Richard Hughson on heart health in space. In particular, the research examines why some astronauts faint once they return to Earth.
The former pilot and astronaut has had a long-standing relationship with Waterloo. He and his wife married there in 1981 and in 1982, he studied at the university in the Faculty of Engineering.
As well, while aboard the ISS, he spoke to students at the university in a downlink.
Hadfield has been cross-appointed to both the university’s Faculty of Science, Environment and Applied Health Sciences and will likely to take on a teaching and advising role.
Hadfield will give a guest lecture at the University on Dec. 3.
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