Real Weddings: Holly and Stephen’s dreamy Manhattan wedding
Real Weddings: Holly and Stephen’s dreamy Manhattan wedding

Shayna Sappington

How this clinic is transforming women’s skin this Black Friday
How this clinic is transforming women’s skin this Black Friday

IMAGE

Give the gift of luxury this Christmas with a sparkling diamond touch
Give the gift of luxury this Christmas with a sparkling diamond touch

Edaein OConnell

Feel like you can’t get ahead of your finances? It may be time for a financial review
Feel like you can’t get ahead of your finances? It may be time for a...

IMAGE

The College Green Hotel review: A 5-star stay in the heart of the city
The College Green Hotel review: A 5-star stay in the heart of the city

Sarah Gill

Join our community for a complimentary Rhythm Ride class
Join our community for a complimentary Rhythm Ride class

IMAGE

Win a €500 gift voucher to use towards training with Image Skillnet
Win a €500 gift voucher to use towards training with Image Skillnet

IMAGE

MUA Lauren Egerton’s five top tips to do your make-up like a pro
MUA Lauren Egerton’s five top tips to do your make-up like a pro

Melanie Morris

My Life in Culture: Opera singer Niamh O’Sullivan
My Life in Culture: Opera singer Niamh O’Sullivan

Sarah Finnan

Women at the Helm: Leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns
Women at the Helm: Leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns

Sarah Gill

Image / Editorial

The Changemakers: Dr Norah Patten on getting set to become Ireland’s first astronaut


By IMAGE
11th Jun 2018
The Changemakers: Dr Norah Patten on getting set to become Ireland’s first astronaut

In this month’s issue of IMAGE magazine, Orla Neligan talked to the Irish women who are making a big impact in their respective fields.

Dr Norah Patten

Scientist-astronaut

It’s fitting that the mantra “shoot for the stars, the sky is not the limit” is one scientist-astronaut Dr Norah Patten favours. Her life’s goal has been getting to space ever since a family trip to NASA when she was 11 years old, and she is firmly on course to be Ireland’s first astronaut.

Photo credit: Barry McCall

When asked how she challenges preconceptions, “keep pushing forward” is her reply. Not that she had many; she relishes a challenge and deems success as making a positive contribution to the world.

Who or what inspires you?

“Other people – I have had amazing mentors and friends who I look to for advice and inspiration.”

She recently established a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) product for children called Planet Zebunar, an interactive galactic adventure that promotes diversity and inclusion while introducing children to STEM concepts. “I didn’t set out to be an agent of change, I just wanted to share my experiences with others, especially children, to prove to them what was possible. I want to show people that no matter how big their ambitions are, nothing should hold them back.”

If she does become Ireland’s first astronaut, she’ll be bringing her camera and Plant Zebunar’s Astro Granny with her to space. “She’s a great character – a superhero granny that will help explain elements of space to younger people when I get home.” And that’s what Patten will continue to do – prove to a younger generation that you can be the scientist, the astronaut and the superhero too.

Biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your career?

“Never take anything for granted.”

Pick up this month’s edition of IMAGE magazine to see the article in full.