Geology alumnus to serve as keynote speaker for Cougs in Space

A Washington State University alumnus, Matt Brzostowski, will deliver the keynote for Cougs in Space, a two-day event for students in engineering, business, research, sciences, innovation, and others to connect with alumni and employers in related space industry fields. The event, which begins this Tuesday at noon, is a joint collaboration between the Academic Success and Career Center, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Carson College of Business, the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, and the Cougs in Space Club.

"It's an honor to be invited to participate in Cougs in Space. It's important for people with experience to talk with those just starting out-to educate, to share my experience in hope that maybe something I've done, others can learn from," said Brzostowski.

From the age of 11, Brzostowski knew he wanted to be a scientist and an astronaut. After earning his PhD in Texas, he pursued opportunities to engage with scientists and programs at NASA supporting the mission, and always striving towards his goal of becoming an astronaut.

During his time in Texas, Brzostowski volunteered on projects that involved developing a geophysical system to image the near surface of the Moon or Mars. He worked with Yosio Nakamura in properly decoding and reformatting decades old seismic data from the Apollo missions, identifying a serious timing error leading to new accurate interpretations.

Eventually receiving an astronaut candidate interview with NASA, Brzostowski was one of four geoscientists in contention for the next mission to the moon. Government administration changes, however, altered the mission but not his dream to serve as a contributing member on a future mission.

Brzostowski's Cougs in Space address aims to encourage students to seek out opportunities beyond the classroom and later beyond the office-to use personal time to develop skills and relationships that will prepare and move them closer to fulfilling their dreams.

Brzostowski graduated in 1980 with a BA in geology from WSU and later received his PhD in geosciences from the University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to retiring four years ago, he served for 40 years as a geophysicist on the industry side working with businesses to explore, problem solve, and identify potential economic benefits.