Dr. Shawna Pandya

Dr. Shawna Pandya crossing her arms in a space jacket, with a starry colorful background.

Physician, Astronaut, Aquanaut, & Explorer

  • - AI and the Future of Healthcare

    - AI for Space Medicine and Human Spaceflight  

    - AI, Leadership, and Team Dynamics for Performance and High Pressure Scenarios.

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  • Alberta, Canada

Dr. Shawna Pandya is a physician, newly named astronaut with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), and a pioneer at the frontier of space exploration and extreme environments. As Canada's first named female commercial astronaut, she embodies the spirit of adventure and scientific discovery.

Dr. Pandya's remarkable journey includes:

  • Veteran of 12 parabolic flight campaigns, with over 180 parabolas of microgravity experience

  • Two-time aquanaut, logging over 235 hours underwater during the NEPTUNE and NEP2NE missions

  • Scientific co-lead on the inaugural IIAS suborbital research flight

  • First crew member to test a commercial spacesuit in zero-gravity in 2015

  • Director of the IIAS Space Medicine Group and Chief Instructor of the IIAS Space Medicine course

Her expertise spans neuroscience, space studies, medicine, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pandya is a Fellow of the Explorers' Club, a Karman Pioneer, and was named one of the "50 Explorers Changing the World" in 2022. She holds a black belt in Taekwondo and has trained in Muay Thai fight camps in Thailand.

As a keynote speaker, Dr. Pandya captivates audiences with her insights on resilience, innovation, and pushing human limits. She draws from her diverse experiences, from conducting space medicine research to inspiring others to embrace lifelong learning and tackle humanity's greatest challenges.

Dr. Pandya's work has been profiled by Nature Careers and the Royal Canadian Mint. She continues to break barriers in space exploration while advocating for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Her talks blend cutting-edge science with personal anecdotes, leaving audiences inspired to reach for the stars - both literally and figuratively.

Videos of Dr. Shawna Pandya Speaking

Dr. Shawna Pandya’s Speaking Experience

Shawna Pandya speaking on stage about success, failure, resilience, and pushing the limits at TEDx Alberta.

Dr. Shawna Pandya is a dynamic and sought-after keynote speaker, addressing audiences worldwide on space exploration, extreme medicine, and innovation. Her speaking engagements span across North America, Europe, and Asia, including:

  • Multiple TEDx talks, including TEDxEdmonton and TEDxISU at the International Space University

  • Keynote at the 2022 Explorers' Club Global Exploration Summit

  • Presentations at prestigious conferences such as the International Astronautical Congress and World Extreme Medicine Conference

  • Guest lectures at institutions like the Canadian Space Agency, Yale School of Medicine, and Johns Hopkins Space Medicine Group

Dr. Pandya expertly blends her experiences as a physician, astronaut candidate, and aquanaut to deliver compelling talks on space medicine, technological innovation, leadership, and resilience. Her ability to connect complex scientific concepts with real-world applications makes her presentations both informative and deeply inspiring to diverse audiences, from scientific professionals to corporate leaders.

As a recognized expert, Dr. Pandya has also provided live commentary for historic space events, showcasing her ability to communicate complex topics to the general public.

If you have any questions or would like to book Shawna for your event, contact us directly.