Interior designer Geri O’Toole’s Limerick cottage incorporated old outbuildings for a gorgeous combination of old and new
Interior designer Geri O’Toole’s Limerick cottage incorporated old outbuildings for a gorgeous combination of old...

Megan Burns

Supper Club: Australian food stylist and author Donna Hay shares three tasty dinner recipes
Supper Club: Australian food stylist and author Donna Hay shares three tasty dinner recipes

Sarah Finnan

‘Deconstructing stereotypes’: The cult witch movie you need to watch on Halloween
‘Deconstructing stereotypes’: The cult witch movie you need to watch on Halloween

Jennifer McShane

This Wicklow home is full of rich colours and luxurious finishes
This Wicklow home is full of rich colours and luxurious finishes

Megan Burns

This gorgeous three-bedroom home is currently on the market for €565,000
This gorgeous three-bedroom home is currently on the market for €565,000

Sarah Finnan

The IMAGE staffers share their favourite perfumes on the market right now
The IMAGE staffers share their favourite perfumes on the market right now

Sarah Gill

8 great podcasts and audiobooks to listen to while you’re on the road this autumn
8 great podcasts and audiobooks to listen to while you’re on the road this autumn

IMAGE

What to bake this weekend: Pecan praline brownies
What to bake this weekend: Pecan praline brownies

Meg Walker

Aoife Dunican on the art of nailing bright and bold style
Aoife Dunican on the art of nailing bright and bold style

Suzie Coen

Cillian Murphy’s book about empathy is essential reading for everyone
Cillian Murphy’s book about empathy is essential reading for everyone

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.