Devaluing STEM at Major US University
Thank you, University of Houston. For destroying 1000s of volunteer hours spent persuading young people to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
"Former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly will get a nice payday for an upcoming commencement speech. Kelly, who retired from NASA last month after a nearly year-long flight on the ISS, will speak to graduates of the University of Houston May 14. The university is paying Kelly $35,000 for the speech, although that is $100,000 less than what the university paid last year's commencement speaker, actor Matthew McConaughey." [Houston Chronicle] [emphasis added]
Thank you for compensating someone who only pretended to be an astronaut for a few weeks, $100k more (plus $9500 for a private jet) than someone who spent months of study and training to become an actual astronaut for 340 days.
Robotics Scientist at FutureBots Humanoid Lab
8 年STEM is Dead !!!
What a travesty! Thank you Dave for sharing. The entertainers should be honored to speak, not paid those exorbitant fees and the value statement with that comparison is a sad reflection of weak leadership bowing to trends. The students are already and will continue to be the ones paying for these people for through taxes and product purchases IF they choose to buy, they should not be paying this way!
Founder at Time University
8 年You need to be seen more on TV / Film to be seen as valued by media etc. Sadly lawyers and accountants often get paid more than mathematicians, scientists, and teachers.
Principal Engineer at BAE Space Systems
8 年Thank you Dave for sharing this. It's so ture and says something about the way we value our space heroes.
Digital Communications Specialist | Aerospace
8 年Good point!