Blue Origin, Former NASA Scientist Visits Otterbein 65 Years After First Human Space Flight

The International Day of Human Space Flight is recognized on April 12, the date in 1961 that the first human space flight was achieved. Now, 65 years, Otterbein welcomes a scientist to campus who has spent more than 20 years advancing human space flight.

Former NASA and current Blue Origin scientist Tara Ruttley, Ph.D., will speak at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 13, in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville. The lecture, Science Has to Make Its Case: Why Science Communication Matters, is free and open to the public.

Her visit, April 13-15, is sponsored by the Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence Series. Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/pack.

About the Lecture: Science has to do more than make discoveries—it has to make its case. Drawing on her experience as a former NASA leader, Tara Ruttley shares how communicating the value of research can influence decisions, build public support, and connect complex science to everyday life. This talk explores why clear, compelling science communication matters more than ever.

About the Speaker:   

Tara Ruttley, Ph.D., is the chief scientist for Orbital Reef, Blue Origin’s next-generation commercial space station, where she helps shape a future in which space is not only explored, but actively used to advance science, innovation, and humanity. Her work focuses on enabling research and discovery that will define the next era of human presence in low Earth orbit.  

Ruttley’s career reflects a lifelong fascination with life, learning, and exploration. She spent 21 years at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), contributing to one of humanity’s greatest collaborative achievements: the International Space Station (ISS). Beginning her career at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 2001, she worked as an engineer designing medical systems and human research hardware that flew aboard the ISS, directly supporting the health and performance of astronauts in space.  

Driven by a deep curiosity about the human experience, Ruttley pursued a doctorate degree in neuroscience and joined the ISS Program Science Office as ISS associate program scientist. In this role, she helped guide and communicate the Station’s scientific mission, connecting research conducted in orbit to benefits on Earth. She later served as NASA’s associate chief scientist for microgravity research in Washington, D.C., advising senior leadership on how space-based research can expand knowledge, inform policy, and serve society.  

In 2022, Ruttley joined Blue Origin to lead the scientific vision for Orbital Reef, helping build the laboratories, partnerships, and opportunities that will open space to researchers, educators, and innovators from around the world.  

Ruttley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master of science degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University, as well as a master of arts degree in anthropology-archaeology from the University of Houston, where her research explored the role of religion in slavery and social control in the pre-Civil War United States. Her work spans disciplines from engineering to neuroscience to the social sciences, reflecting a belief that the biggest questions — on Earth or in space — are best answered by crossing boundaries.  

An astronaut selection finalist, holder of a U.S. utility patent, and author of publications across multiple fields, Ruttley is also a sought-after speaker on topics about science, exploration, leadership, and the power of curiosity to shape a more informed and inspired future.

About the Series: The Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Lecture and Scholar-in-Residence program has been bringing high-profile scholars and speakers to Otterbein’s campus to discuss contemporary issues and topics for more than two decades. The Series was established in 2002 through a generous gift from alumnus Vernon L. Pack, a 1950 graduate of the University. A distinguished lecturer visits campus to address important current issues that will allow the Otterbein community to reflect on ethical, spiritual, and social issues. In alternate years, an esteemed scholar is invited to campus to reside for up to one academic year in order to provide an educational enrichment experience for Otterbein students. Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/packlecture.