S5E11: From Classroom to Cosmos – Birds Up with Dr. Chris Packham on NASA, Japan & the New Era of Teaching

Fresh off a return from NASA with UT San Antonio students who won a national competition, Dr. Chris Packham joins us for a powerful update on the groundbreaking work happening at the intersection of research, innovation, and student opportunity. From collaborations with Blue Origin to leadership roles connected to the James Webb Space Telescope and the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, Dr. Packham shares how UT San Antonio is contributing to the next generation of space exploration. We also dive into his role as Chair of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association, the global research pipeline he’s helping build for UT San Antonio students — including opportunities in Japan — and his leadership as Chair of the Gemini Observatory Board. Closer to home, he discusses returning to teach Astronomy 101 and what he calls a “new era” of teaching and learning in the classroom. This episode is about more than telescopes and research — it’s about UT San Anotnio students competing and winning on a national stage, global partnerships expanding opportunity, and Roadrunners helping shape humanity’s understanding of the universe. Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow Roadrunner. Birds Up. Show Notes:UT San Antonio AlumniDiploma Dash 5kUTSA AthleticsDr. Chris PackhamUT San Antonio researcher aims to save an endangered crocodile in Southeast AsiaUT San Antonio to launch nation’s first open-access neuromorphic computing hub Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!