Abstract:  Is NASA's budget a waste of the taxpayers money? Why do we risk the lives of the astronauts? What is the future of mankind on the planet?  The Earth is a fragile place, in a harsh environment. Throughout history, species have evolved, thrived and become extinct. Modern humans have evolved over the last 200,000 years and many would say that we are thriving now, but we too are on an inevitable path to extinction. The last conversation he had with his mother led Tom Hanson to seek answers these questions and justify Why We go to Space. Mr. Hanson will discuss some of the mass extinction events that threaten mankind and NASA's plans for human exploration.

 

Presenter Bio:  Mr. Tom Hanson is a Team Lead for NASA's Training Division at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He manages and evaluates shuttle mission simulator training for Space Shuttle crewmembers in preparation for flight and is currently assigned to the STS-133 mission. STS-133 is the next Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for launch November 1, 2010 on Space Shuttle Discovery. The primary payloads will be the Pressurized Multipurpose Module and the fourth ExPRESS Logistics Carrier. The mission is scheduled to include two spacewalks.

Mr. Hanson has received several outstanding training and leadership awards from NASA, including the Silver Snoopy. His presentations to teacher, student and professional groups discuss the fragility of the Earth, with examples of how mankind can be wiped from its surface. He also discusses NASA's future plans for human exploration.

Tutorial 1:  Supplier Evaluation & Maintenance by Phil Klefas ASQ CQA, CQM, AWS CWI

 

Presenter Bio:  Phil Klefas has been involved in quality since 1970.  He is currently Senior Quality Coordinator for Aramco Services Company.  Phil is also a Senior member of the American Society for Quality; has been actively involved in ASQ Greater Houston Section and held several officer positions, including Chair(2002-2004), Chair-Elect, Program Chair, Presentations Chair, Arrangements Chair, Quality Month Chair, and member of Education committee (1997 - 2002).  In addition Phil has been an Instructor for Section 1405 refresher courses for Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence and Certified Quality Auditor courses.  He is certified by ASQ as a Quality Auditor and Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence and is also certified by the American Welding Society as a Certified Welding Inspector. Phil is a Silver Member of the American Welding Society.  He has completed numerous courses in quality, leadership, welding and metallurgy conducted by the University of Houston, American Society for Quality, American Welding Society and the American Society for Metals.  Phil has a Bachelor of Science in Management.