Leslie Wickman

Background

About Leslie Wickman

Leslie is an internationally respected research scientist and engineering consultant. For more than a decade, Wickman was an engineer for Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space in Sunnyvale, Calif, where she worked on NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station Programs, receiving commendations from NASA for her contributions and being designated as Lockheed's Corporate Astronaut. As Executive Director of Starry Nights, Wickman's responsibilities include addressing the relationship between science and theology. She also performs research and analyses at The Aerospace Corporation on various technical, cost and risk aspects of military and civil space projects. She has lectured extensively around the world on satellite servicing, astronaut operations, mission planning, and space physiology issues. Previously Wickman worked as a research scientist with the RAND Corporation on the technical and political aspects of various national defense issues, co-authoring two books on fighter pilot training issues. Wickman also serves as a consulting scientist on future space launch vehicles, human factors problems for extreme environments, and runs a water reclamation research project. Wickman holds a master's degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering and a doctoral degree in human factors and biomechanics, both from Stanford University. Prior to her graduate studies, she graduated magna cum laude from Willamette University with a bachelor's degree in political science. Wickman is a dedicated athlete who plays competition beach volleyball and is now retired from women's professional tackle football. She also enjoys surfing, skiing, rollerblading, tennis and most other sports. Other interests include music, environmental issues, astronomy, and ministering to the less fortunate. Specialties: Human factors, crew systems, anthropometry, biomechanics, space life sciences, crew training, spaceflight simulation, mission operations, systems engineering, coaching.