Space Exploration with WPSU

Kyle Lucas
United States Space Force

Kyle Lucas earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Penn State and is a former walk-on linebacker, playing two season for the blue and white. In 2015 Kyle enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Space Systems Operator and is currently assigned to Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado.During Kyle’s three-year tour he was responsible for commanding and controlling the Department of Defense’s largest satellite constellation as well providing a global utility to 4 billion users worldwide.In the fall of 2019 Kyle transferred to the 1st Space Operation Squadron, where he currently works. The 1SOPS mission he performs is Space Domain Awareness. In his current role as a Low Earth Orbit Technician he operates three different satellites.

On December 20, 2019 the Trump Administration announced the creation of a new military branch, The United States Space Force where he is currently serving under the rank of Sergeant.

Dr. Guion Bluford
Retired Astronaut and Air Force Colonel

Thirty-eight years ago, Guion “Guy” Bluford becamse the first African-Amercan astronaut to go to space, as a member of the crew aboard the third flight of the space shuttle Challenger.Guy earned his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and went on to other advanced degrees. Guy is also a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and flew 144 combat missions during the Vietnam War. Guy worked at NASA for 13 years, went on four space missions, and has logged 688 hours in space.

Justin Aglio
Readiness Institute at Penn State

Justin W Aglio is the senior director of the Readines Institute at Penn State, a learning lab for students and educators, advancing THE’s vision of a more “Just Pittsburgh” by enabling learners from diverse backgrounds to develop skills and values needed for success.Justin earned a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration from Point Park University, his Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Waynesburg University.He is a member of the Remake Learning Network, also serves as a Visiting LearnLab Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. Throughout his career, he has been recognized by his peers with honors including Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40, International Society for Technology in Education Emerging Leader, Pennsylvania Association for Education Communications and Technology Outstanding Leader of the Year, Edtech and elearning Top 100 Influencer and was selected as a participant in the Nation of Makers roundtable discussion at the White House.