Minot State reschedules NASA’s Pinnick

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University has set a new date for alumna Veronica (Cavallo) Pinnick ’04 to speak at the University. The rescheduled event will take place Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Hoffman Auditorium at the Cyril Moore Science Center.

Pinnick, a research associate specializing in scientific instrumentation at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, will give a talk intended for all audiences titled, “Searching for the Fingerprints of Life in our Solar System using Mass Spectrometry.” The event is free and open to the public.

The original date was postponed due to the national government shutdown.

“I take education and public outreach seriously, and take every opportunity I can to spread the word about what we scientists and engineers are doing with your tax dollars,” Pinnick said. “We are doing such amazing science, such amazing engineering, and honestly awe-inspiring exploration that I can hardly help snapping up every opportunity I can to be an ambassador to the public.  I want you to be as excited about what we’re doing as we are.”

The hour-long address will include topics:

  • Sample Analysis on Mars (SAM) instrument on the Curiosity rover currently on the Red Planet
  • Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) which will be included on the European Space Agency’s ExoMars rover, scheduled to launch summer 2020
  • Exploration of the ocean worlds of Europa and Titan
  • Field work done on Earth (in Greenland and Chile)

She is excited for the opportunity to return to Minot State.

“I loved my time at MSU, both in the chemistry department and also in the honors program,” Pinnick said. “I am so happy to be coming back home to talk about my career and the path I took to get where I am — MSU had so much to do with that!”

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 03/01/19   


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