25 Mar 2024 NASA representative to speak in Morrilton during eclipse event
MORRILTON — A NASA representative who is visually impaired will headline the Historic Solar Eclipse Event in Morrilton (Conway County) at 11 a.m. on April 8 in downtown.
The Arkansas Educational Services for the Visually Impaired (ESVI) and the Arts Council of Conway County are thrilled to announce that Denna Lambert, a blind graduate of Arkansas Public Schools and a NASA representative, will help celebrate the highly anticipated solar eclipse. This event, hailed as NASA’s Super Bowl, promises to provide an unparalleled experience for all attendees, especially for blind and visually impaired students.
Denna Lambert, who presently serves as the Inclusive Innovation Lead for NASA’s Early Stage Innovation & Partnerships portfolio, will be the focal point of the festivities, generously sharing her wealth of knowledge and experiences with attendees. Lambert has been at the forefront of advocating for inclusivity in space exploration and technology. Her inspiring journey from Arkansas to NASA serves as a testament to the possibilities accessible to those with determination and talent.
The event, to be hosted in downtown Morrilton, will showcase a variety of activities designed to offer tactile tools and hands-on experiences for students to understand and appreciate the solar eclipse fully. Lambert’s keynote speech, scheduled for 11 am on the Rialto theater stage, is poised to inspire and educate attendees about the eclipse’s significance and the importance of inclusivity in STEM fields.
A highlight of the day will be the opportunity for blind and visually impaired attendees to experience the eclipse away from the city, providing a unique and immersive encounter with nature’s spectacle.
In addition to celebrating the celestial event, ESVI is dedicated to raising awareness about blindness and low vision. As part of this initiative, the community is actively seeking artwork created by blind and visually impaired students to feature in an art exhibit. Contributions from individuals of all ages are welcome.
“This event signifies a pivotal moment for the state of Arkansas as we unite to celebrate the wonders of the universe and champion inclusivity in STEM,” said Christi Dixon, Director of ESVI. “We are privileged to host Denna Lambert and offer an unforgettable experience for our students, nurturing a deeper appreciation for science and diversity.”
Lambert joined NASA in 2004 as a Contract Specialist.
Originally from Little Rock, Lambert earned a BS in Business from University of Arkansas and a MPA from The George Washington University. She resides in Greenbelt, Maryland, with her 4-year old son and her retired guide dog,. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Denna’s work in ESIP is to advance research opportunities for new and emerging innovator communities, including small businesses, faculty, and students. She supports the development of NASA-funded research opportunities, outreach efforts, and resources for those seeking to engage in NASA’s Technology Pipeline, which includes lunar surface and in-space advanced manufacturing capability.
In 2023, Denna completed her first research micro-gravity flight with Zero-G as an Astro Access Ambassador. Her personal passion for making spaceflight more inclusive is impacting those aspiring to join the expanding space economy.
