Gas Networks Ireland invites children to ‘Dream Big’ with Dr Niamh Shaw
Dr Niamh Shaw is on a mission to get to Space and it’s a mission she’s been on since she started dreaming big growing up in Dundalk. No stranger to our TV screens and recently voted one of Ireland’s leading science communicators, Dr Shaw is passionate about igniting people’s curiosities.
In advance of next week’s ‘Science Week’, and as part of its sustainability programme, Gas Networks Ireland has joined forces with Dr Shaw to host a free online 'My Place in Space' event on Friday 5 November.
Suitable for the young and young at heart, Dr Shaw will share her experience of taking a zero-gravity parabolic flight, participating in a simulated mission to Mars in the Utah desert and witnessing Alexander Gerst launch into Space from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Fresh off a plane from her recent stint in NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, Dr Shaw said:
“My efforts to get to Space are not just about my own journey, but also about sharing my experiences and bringing as many people as I can with me by telling my story. Each time I talk about my quest and all my space adventures so far I take a step closer to be a Communicator-in -Space!”
“I am delighted to partner with Gas Networks Ireland to give the public the opportunity to enjoy a unique insight into how my Space mission is progressing. But more importantly I want people, especially children to dream big.”
“I believe we can be anything we want to be, if we are brave and bold enough to just let that be. Of course, it requires curiosity, passion and tenacity…and not being afraid to fail and that’s what I will be encouraging those on the webinar to be.”
Christina van der Kamp, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Gas Networks Ireland, said: “We’re really looking forward to learning about Dr Shaw’s Space mission while she ignites young people’s interest in science during the webinar.
“As science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is the centre of our business, we’re big supporters of STEM education.”
The ‘'My Place in Space” online webinar begins at 3pm on Friday 5 November. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win one of 10 Space packs. Entry instructions will be given during the webinar. To register please visit www.gasnetworks.ie/niamh-shaw.