TEDxWaterloo - Roberta Bondar - The Challenge of Change April 6, 2011

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As the world's first neurologist in space, Dr. Roberta Bondar is globally recognized for her pioneering contribution to space medicine research.

For more than a decade at NASA Dr. Bondar headed an international research team, continuing to find new connections between astronauts recovering from the microgravity of space and neurological illnesses here on Earth such as stroke and Parkinson's disease.

As an author, environmental educator and celebrated landscape photographer, Dr. Bondar has also earned a reputation as a leading speaker and consultant within the medical and scientific communities, and in the field of corporate social responsibility and care for the Earth's environment.

Through 2010 Roberta Bondar was the Honorary Patron for Canada of UNESCO's International Year of Planet Earth.

Recently created, The Roberta Bondar Foundation has been formed to improve knowledge of the environment in a way that stimulates interest, excitement, creativity, responsibility, and for some, the desire for focused study in this area of science. It aims to help people to see their environment in a positive light, to become more attuned to its characteristics and factors that influence change.

A true renaissance woman, Dr. Bondar is an acclaimed photographer of the natural wonders of our planet. She is the author of four best-selling photo essay books featuring her stunning photography of the Earth. Her photographic works may be found in private, corporate and institutional collections in Canada, the U.S. and England.

Dr. Bondar is a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.

Roberta Bondar has been inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and into the International Women's Forum Hall of Fame for her pioneering research in space medicine and recognized with the NASA Space Medal. In addition, she has received 24 honorary doctorates from Canadian and American universities. In 2003 TIME magazine named her among North America's best explorers.

Roberta Bondar continues to explore the planet, camera in hand.

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TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxWaterloo, where x=independently organized TED event. At our TEDxWaterloo event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
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