Lockheed Martin Executive Addresses Demand for a Skilled Workforce to Support America's Pursuit of Deep Space Exploration
March 27, 2014 | LSU Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
Wanda Sigur will spotlight Louisiana’s role in critical space exploration development and testing
BATON ROUGE – Wanda A. Sigur, vice president and deputy, Civil Space, Space Systems, for Lockheed Martin Corporation will address students, faculty, staff and the broader community regarding America’s quest to conduct a manned mission to Mars by 2035.
As keynote speaker for LSU’s College of Engineering Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series, Sigur will discuss the need for a skilled engineering workforce as the U.S. plans to launch the first deep space flight program later this year with a major test milestone in NASA’s Orion program.
“Our nation has a large demand for science and engineering talent and we are committed to inspiring youth to pursue careers in these important fields,” said Sigur, vice president and deputy, Civil Space, Space Systems, Lockheed Martin. “We need bright, excited talent to study and become engineers, IT professionals, scientists and mathematicians and help us explore the universe, ensure our national security and keep our nation’s technological leadership.”
Sigur has executive responsibility for national space programs relating to human space flight and space science missions; including planetary, solar, astrophysical, and Earth remote sensing for civil government agencies. These major programs include the Orion Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle, Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes, GOES-R weather satellites, Juno, MAVEN, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey, and OSIRIS-REx planetary missions, and the company’s nuclear space power programs.
“Louisiana plays an important role in the next generation of space travel through
its activities at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans,” said Rick Koubek,
dean, LSU College of Engineering. “As Louisiana’s flagship institution, we are proud
to help provide the next generation of leadership in America’s pursuit to conquer
deep space.”
Sigur also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Defense Industrial
Association.
The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series will be held in conjunction with LSU Space
Day to highlight the College of Engineering’s partnerships with NASA and other industry
leaders, and the presence of space research in the state.
Open to the public, the event will be held on Friday, March 28 at 2 PM in the Frank
Walk Room on the LSU Campus. For more information, please visit www.eng.lsu.edu or
call 225-578-4630.
About Lockheed Martin Corporation
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace
company that employs approximately 115,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged
in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of
advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for
2013 were $45.4 billion. For more information about Lockheed Martin, visit www.lockheedmartin.com.
About the LSU College of Engineering Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series invites prominent engineering professionals,
corporate executives, and public servants to illuminate public policy and societal
STEM issues, promoting dialogue and sustainable solutions.
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Mimi LaValle
LSU College of Engineering
225-578-5706
225-439-5633
mlavall@lsu.edu