Source: Greg Stephens, 785-826-2905, gregs@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Natalie Blair, 785-826-2642, nblair@k-state.edu

Monday, April 12, 2010

NASA CHIEF SCIENTIST TO MAKE PRESENTATIONS APRIL 20 AND 21 AT K-STATE AT SALINA AS PART OF UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

SALINA -- Dennis M. Bushnell, chief scientist at NASA Langley Research Center, will give two presentations at Kansas State University at Salina as part of the University Distinguished Lecture Series.

Bushnell will present "Societal Future States: The Future of Technology and the Human Race" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, in the College Center Conference Room. He will discuss the societal impacts of technological advancements and the human race's responsibility for future advancements. The presentation is a preview he will give to the World Future Society in July.

Bushnell also will present "The Futures of Energetics" at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, in the College Center Conference Room. The presentation covers new and novel energy sources that can replace the need for fossil carbon sources.

Both presentations are free and open to the public.

"Dennis Bushnell has been called one of the broadest thinkers in science, is a futurist and a prominent scholar and researcher,” said Greg Stephens, lecture organizer and associate professor of technology management at K-State at Salina. "This is the first University Distinguished Lecture to be held at Salina, so it is a good opportunity to get a glimpse into the future. If you are a teacher, student, business or community leader you will want to attend. Bushnell will offer some very futuristic views of technology."

At NASA Langley, Bushnell is responsible for technical oversight and advanced program formulation with emphasis in the areas of atmospheric sciences and structures, materials, acoustics, flight electronics/control/software, instruments, aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, spacecraft, space access and other areas.

Bushnell, who holds six patents, has authored more than 250 publications and major presentations, and has given more than 300 invited lectures and seminars. He has served as an editor or reviewer for 40 journals and organizations, and has received awards from professional groups, governmental agencies and academia. He also has served on numerous national and international technical panels and committees, and as a consultant to national and international organizations. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

The presentations are sponsored by the K-State departments of arts, sciences and business; aviation; engineering technology; and mechanical and nuclear engineering.