Shoot for the stars, the sky is not the limit was the hugely inspirational message from Dr Norah Patten at the first Waterford Chamber Regional Leaders Programme Speaker Lunch at the Greenway Manor Hotel.

Speaking to mentors and programme participants, Norah gave a fascinating overview of her career to date and how her determination to make it to space began with a trip to NASA as a child.

Following her dream, Dr Patten attained a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from University of Limerick, is a faculty member at the International Space University and has participated in many space related professional development programs over the years. In 2014, Norah managed ‘The Only Way is Up’ project which sent Ireland’s first student experiment to the International Space Station. Having a keen interest in education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), Norah founded her own company, Planet Zebunar, which is launching a new series of STEM products designed to encourage, inspire and motivate the next generation of engineers, astronauts, scientists and innovators.

Dr Norah Patten remains on course to be the first Irish person in space and following her motivational talk, guests were left in no doubt at all that it is only a matter of time.

The Regional Leaders Programme is supported by Waterford Chamber Skillnet, Bausch + Lomb and Waterford Institute of Technology.