What does it mean to be an Albertan?
It’s about grit, innovation, and tackling challenges with a can-do spirit.
This essence is embodied by Dr.Shawna Pandya, an Edmonton physician, speaker, citizen scientist, and martial artist.
Now, she’s rounding out her already awe-inspiring portfolio by adding “Astronaut” to the list.
Her fascination with the cosmos was sparked early on, inspired by pioneers like Dr. Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman ever to make it to space!
This passion led her to study neuroscience and medicine, setting the stage for a career that will bridge the gap between our home planet and the vast expanse of space.
“I thought to be like Roberta, I just need to do what she does, and I knew she was a neuroscientist, a physician and an astronaut. So I said, ‘OK, well, I’ll go study neuroscience, be a physician, and hopefully, be an astronaut.’ It seems to have worked out,” she jokingly told The Edmonton Journal.
Her involvement with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences over the last ten years has been pivotal.
From researching parabolic flights to developing space medicine curricula, she has tirelessly pursued her goal of reaching the stars.
Space in 2026!
Now, her dedication has paid off with a seat aboard Virgin Galactic’s delta-class flight, scheduled for 2026!
Along with her teammates, Kelli Gerardi from the US and Dr. Norah Patten from Ireland, Dr. Pandya will be the fourth Canadian woman in space!
But her mission isn’t just about exploration but advancing scientific knowledge. Her research will focus on vital aspects of human health in space.
These studies are crucial for understanding how the human body adapts to microgravity and preparing for future long-duration missions.
“The reality is space is trying to kill you. When we talk about the challenges of the spaceflight environment, we break it down into what we call the Big Five: radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, gravity — which includes not just zero gravity but also decreased gravity — and hostile environments,” said Pandya.
Her job is to keep astronauts at peak performance, and it’s vital work.
It could even help us get to public space flight in the future! Opening up the galaxy for the rest of us! (or, at least, the richest of us, ahah.)
Like our province, she embraces challenges and pushes boundaries.
Her journey from Edmonton to the stars reflects Alberta’s tradition of innovation and fearlessness in the face of adversity.
As she told the Over Coffee podcast, “creativity’s at the core of everything we do, whether medicine or space.”
As we celebrate her achievements, her story reminds us that no dream is too big and no challenge is too daunting.
Her path to the stars is not just a personal triumph—it’s a testament to our province’s spirit of exploration and resilience.
As she prepares to venture beyond Earth’s atmosphere, let’s salute her and all those who dare to dream big in Alberta.
