Fans of the Big Bang Theory, prepare!  This Wednesday, rocket scientist and Lockheed Martin Deputy Programs Manager Jim Paradise will give us an update on recent space exploration.  One of our most popular past programs, Jim spoke to our club in 2010 as a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, updating us on recent discoveries on Mars, and the amazing moons of Jupiter and Saturn.  This time perhaps he’ll explain the mysterious triple star system of KIC 2856960, being studied by the Kepler Space Observatory.  Jim will be introduced by one of his former professors and Past RCFC President, Stacy Plemmons.
 
In addition to being Deputy Programs Manager, Jim is responsible for the Engineering Leadership Development Programs at Lockheed Martin Space Systems.  He has worked in Space Exploration for 34 years, and been involved in engineering of the Space Shuttle, the Atlas and Titan Launch Vehicles, the Manned Maneuvering Unit, dozens of satellites, and most space probes launched in the past 30 years. 
 
Jim grew up in rural Iowa and Nebraska, graduating from high school in a class of 30.  He was the first NASA Solar System Ambassador for the state of Colorado, visiting schools and other groups in that capacity for more than 18 years.  He has degrees in Electrical Engineering and Systems Engineering, a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering.