ThoughtGallery.org > The Astronaut: Scott Parazynski and Tracy Dennis

The Astronaut: Scott Parazynski and Tracy Dennis

The inspiration behind Sandra Bullock’s role in Gravity, the much decorated Scott Parazynski has conducted the most challenging and dangerous spacewalk in the history of space exploration. Here, Hunter College neuropsychologist Tracy Dennis analyzes the mindset required to endure these extreme missions.

Dr. Scott Parazynski trained at Harvard and in Denver in preparation for a career in emergency medicine and trauma. In 1992 he was selected to join NASA’s Astronaut Corps and eventually flew five Space Shuttle Missions and conducted seven spacewalks (EVAs). In his 17 years as an astronaut, he served as EVA Branch Chief and the Lead Astronaut for Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System Inspection & Repair in the aftermath of the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. Mission highlights include a global ozone mapping mission on STS-66; leading the first joint US-Russian spacewalk during STS-86 while docked to the Russian space station Mir; serving as Senator John Glenn’s crewmate and “personal physician” during STS-95; and conducting EVA assembly of the Canadian-built space station arm during STS-100.Tracy Dennis is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Hunter College and in the Behavioral Neuroscience and Biopsychology Doctoral Program at The City University of New York. She uses the tools of psychology and neuroscience to study emotions and our ability to regulate emotions as core building blocks of our mental and physical health. Current research topics include:  a novel intervention for anxiety that retrains patterns of attention to threat, a “stress vaccine” app, core neurobehavioral processes supporting our ability to regulate emotions, and mindfulness and relaxation techniques targeting at-risk teens to improve health and coping. Dr. Dennis returns to The Rubin after having appeared with Congressman Tim Ryan at last year’s Brainwave.











When: Sat., Mar. 1, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Where: Rubin Museum of Art
150 W. 17th St.
212-620-5000
Price: $30; $27 members
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The inspiration behind Sandra Bullock’s role in Gravity, the much decorated Scott Parazynski has conducted the most challenging and dangerous spacewalk in the history of space exploration. Here, Hunter College neuropsychologist Tracy Dennis analyzes the mindset required to endure these extreme missions.

Dr. Scott Parazynski trained at Harvard and in Denver in preparation for a career in emergency medicine and trauma. In 1992 he was selected to join NASA’s Astronaut Corps and eventually flew five Space Shuttle Missions and conducted seven spacewalks (EVAs). In his 17 years as an astronaut, he served as EVA Branch Chief and the Lead Astronaut for Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System Inspection & Repair in the aftermath of the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. Mission highlights include a global ozone mapping mission on STS-66; leading the first joint US-Russian spacewalk during STS-86 while docked to the Russian space station Mir; serving as Senator John Glenn’s crewmate and “personal physician” during STS-95; and conducting EVA assembly of the Canadian-built space station arm during STS-100.Tracy Dennis is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Hunter College and in the Behavioral Neuroscience and Biopsychology Doctoral Program at The City University of New York. She uses the tools of psychology and neuroscience to study emotions and our ability to regulate emotions as core building blocks of our mental and physical health. Current research topics include:  a novel intervention for anxiety that retrains patterns of attention to threat, a “stress vaccine” app, core neurobehavioral processes supporting our ability to regulate emotions, and mindfulness and relaxation techniques targeting at-risk teens to improve health and coping. Dr. Dennis returns to The Rubin after having appeared with Congressman Tim Ryan at last year’s Brainwave.

Buy tickets/get more info now