Category: Community

PORT HURON – Attendees at SC4 STEM Fest on March 11 will have the opportunity to meet retired NASA astronaut Dorothy “Dottie” Metcalf-Lindenburger. 

Metcalf-Lindenburger—who also was present for the launch of Challenger Learning Center at SC4 in April 2022—currently leads her own speaking and consulting business, Dottie ML, LLC. 

A former high school earth science and astronomy teacher, Metcalf-Lindenburger was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate in 2004. She completed astronaut training in 2006 and in 2010 served as a mission specialist on STS-131, a re-supply space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. 

In 2012, Metcalf-Lindenburger commanded the NEEMO 16, a 12-day, undersea exploration mission aboard the Aquarius underwater laboratory, which resulted in her becoming an aquanaut for spending over 24 hours underwater. 

Metcalf-Lindenburger retired from NASA in 2014.  

“I’m looking forward to the upcoming SC4 STEM Fest because I enjoy engaging students to think about and experience what is possible for them,” Metcalf-Lindenburger said. “Also, I know how impactful STEM events were in shaping my early career path, and the Challenger Learning Center at SC4 will definitely launch their dreams!”

Among her many honors and accolades, she is a recipient of the Space Flight Medal for STS-131 (2010), Duncan Bonjorni Extraordinary Achievement Award from Central Washington University (2010), Pete Reid Award for Young Alumni from Whitman College (2009), VIP for the Vancouver School District (2004), Outstanding Teacher Preparation Candidate at Central Washington University (1999), Academic All-American for Cross Country and Track NAIA Division (1995 and 1996), 1996 NAIA Conference Champion in the 10K, and a 2007 Space Camp Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dottie back to campus,” said Kristin Copenhaver, SC4 chief marketing officer. “Her career illustrates what’s possible to achieve when you are passionate about and committed to what you do. Her presence at STEM Fest will inspire future generations of leaders and scientists.”

SC4 STEM Fest takes place Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on SC4’s Port Huron campus. The event—which is free and open to the public thanks to generous donations and grants—aims to spark a sense of wonder and features more than 100 hands-on, interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics exhibits by SC4, Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science & Nature Center. 

Experiences and activities will take place throughout SC4’s Fieldhouse and Clara E. Mackenzie Building / Experience Center, which includes Challenger Learning Center at SC4, the Dr. Bassam H. Nasr Natural Science Museum, a live sturgeon exhibit, virtual reality experience, health activities, exploration stations, and bird and mineral galleries. 

The event’s more than 100 activities and exhibits will have learners exploring a wide array of STEM topics. Some hands-on highlights for the event include a Challenger Mini-Mission: An Interactive Challenger Learning Center Tour,, virtual reality simulations, virtual anatomy dissection, rocket launches, robotics technology, live animal exhibits and wildlife presentations, awe-inspiring experiments using liquid nitrogen—and many more! 

Register for the SC4 STEM Fest at sc4.edu/stem-fest/stem-fest-registration/. Please direct questions to SC4 at (810) 989-5789 or experiencecenter@sc4.edu.