Summer Speaker Series – Pittsburgh
JULY 18-19 at Point Park University
About the Summer Speaker Series
The Moon 2 Mars Summer Speaker Series is a multi-day experience designed to inspire curiosity, encourage innovation, and connect communities with the future of space exploration. This unique gathering brings together leading experts from NASA, aerospace, science, education, and technology to share insights into humanity’s next era of exploration.
Agenda
Robots on Mars and Beyond
Venue - Point Park University
Join former NASA Deputy Chief Technologist Jim Adams for an inspiring morning of space exploration discussions, networking, and insight into the future of innovation and discovery
Jim Adams brings over 35 years of aerospace leadership and experience across more than 30 spaceflight missions exploring Earth, the Sun, planets, and deep space environments.
Throughout his NASA career, he contributed to mission planning, advanced technology development, and future exploration initiatives that continue to influence the next generation of space missions.
Known for his engaging storytelling and visionary thinking, Jim inspires audiences to think creatively, embrace innovation, and explore bold ideas that can shape humanity’s future in space.
Topics Include
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NASA exploration missions
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Innovation in aerospace technology
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Future Moon and Mars exploration
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The importance of creativity and collaboration in science
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Encouraging the next generation of explorers and entrepreneurs
Registration - 08:30AM - 09:30AM
9:30AM – 10: AM | Coffee & Networking
10:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Opening Remarks
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Jim Adams – Q and A
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Space Farming for Bioregenerative Life Support
Venue - Point Park University
NASA Plant Scientist & Space Agriculture Expert
Dr. Ray Wheeler spent more than three decades at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center researching sustainable food systems and life support technologies for long-duration space missions.
His groundbreaking work focused on how humans can grow food, recycle resources, and survive in controlled environments beyond Earth.
Ray’s research plays a critical role in preparing for future Moon bases and eventual human missions to Mars.
Topics Include
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Growing food in space
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Sustainable life support systems
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Plant science and controlled environments
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Oxygen generation and carbon dioxide recycling
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Preparing humans for long-duration missions
Registration - 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Introduction
1:15PM – 2:15PM Presentation and Q & A by Dr. Ray
Moon to Mars by Dr. James L. Green
Venue - Allegheny Observatory
Free Community Event
The evening concludes with a special observatory experience combining science, networking, and sky observation in one of Pittsburgh’s historic astronomy locations.
Schedule
Guest Arrival & Check-In and Registration - 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Featured Speaker Presentation, Audience Q&A - 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Possible Telescope Viewing
Experience Highlights
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Evening science discussions
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Community networking
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Observatory access
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Telescope viewing opportunities
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Conversations with speakers and attendees
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Sunday, July 19 – Expert Panel & Closing Reception
Venue - Point Park University
The final day features an engaging panel discussion bringing together experts from science, aerospace, and exploration to discuss the future of humanity in space.
Schedule
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Registration
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Panel Discussion
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Audience Q&A
4:15 PM – 5:45 PM | Closing Reception
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Dr. James L Green
NASA's former Chief Scientist
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Jim Adams
NASA's former Deputy CTO
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Dr. Raymond Wheeler
Former NASA's Senior Scientist and Plant Physiologist
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Caroline Coward
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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