Allyson Hindle, post-doctoral fellow at the Marine Mammal Research Unit, UBC Fisheries Centre
UBC Reports Extras | Mar. 7, 2009
By Brian Lin
Allyson Hindle, a post-doctoral fellow at the Marine Mammal Research Unit in the UBC Fisheries Centre is one of 16 Canadians shortlisted in the Canadian Space Agency’s National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign.
Hindle is the only female candidate chosen from more than 5,300 applicants. This is only the third recruitment campaign in Canadian history. The top two candidates will join Canada’s Astronaut Corps in May 2009.
Hindle is studying the diving behavior of Steller sea lions in a joint research program with the Vancouver Aquarium. She conducted her doctoral research on Weddel Seals in the Antarctic. Her expertise in the physiology of animals living in extreme environments may inform the study of the physiology of space travel.
The CSA’s current astronaut recruitment campaign was launched in May 2008, followed by several rounds of interviews, medical exams and physical and skills tests in extreme conditions. Applicants were also tested for their creativity, teamwork and physical fitness. The shortlisted candidates will undergo more interviews and medical exams over the next two months.
For a complete list of shortlisted candidates and more information, visit:
