Stimulated interest in medical research among young Canadians

Dr. Bondar, a neurologist by training, was selected to carry out research in the space shuttle Discovery in 1992 on how the human body reacts to weightlessness, and how a lack of gravity affects the growth of plants. She has also played an important role in applying knowledge gained through research in space to medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and Parkinson's Disease.

Dr. Bondar has played an active role in popularizing science among Canadian school children and university students. Among her many honours, she received the NASA Space Medal in 1992, and she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada the same year.

When Art meets Science

Dr. Bondar is a frequent speaker, a passionate environmentalist and an outspoken proponent of scientific research. She continually inspires young Canadians to pursue science and protect the Earth. An avid photographer, she has created "Passionate Vision" (www.passionatevision.com), a project linking photographs from space with landscape photographs from Earth. The exhibit is touring the country through to 2002.