UBC scientist sets sights on space

Marine mammal researcher shortlisted as Canadian Space Agency astronaut recruit

Vancouver Sun March 18, 2009

University of B.C. marine mammal researcher Allyson Hindle has been shortlisted for the Canadian Space Agency’s National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign.

Hindle has worked since 2008 in a joint research program on the magnitude of the population decline of Steller sea lions. The program is a partnership between the Vancouver Aquarium and UBC’s Marine Mammal Research Unit, according to a Vancouver Aquarium news release.

Hindle is studying the diving behaviour of Steller sea lions at the Open Water Research Station near Port Moody. Her expertise in the physiology of animals living in extreme environments may inform the study of the physiology of space travel.

“I’ll definitely miss the sea lions, especially Sitka,” said Hindle, who is the only woman among the 16 candidates shortlisted. “But if it all works out there will be a little bit of Sitka coming with me into space.”

The top two candidates will join Canada’s Astronaut Corps in May.