A KU alum and NASA astronaut who has experienced space firsthand will headline an event for the 2026-27 KU Reads title about six astronauts on the International Space Station.
Each year, KU Reads picks a new title to spark cross-campus conversations and host community events, and the Spencer Museum of Art picks an artwork to match. This school year’s book is “Orbital” by Samantha Harvey.
Much like the characters in the novel, Loral O’Hara has experienced life and work aboard the ISS. O’Hara graduated from KU with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2005.
She will speak at a KU Reads event, “From Lawrence to Low Earth Orbit: An Evening with Loral O’Hara,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 in the Kansas Union Ballroom, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd.
“This conversation will continue our campuswide exploration inspired by ‘Orbital’ as we ponder the wonder of the universe, the importance of research in space and the distinctly human experience of space travel,” Samantha Greeson, a KU Common Book librarian, said in a news release. “We’ll explore what becomes visible when we see Earth from a new perspective and how that shift can change the way we see ourselves, our planet and our place within it.”
O’Hara will be in conversation with current and past KU faculty and a graduate student. The evening will also include a Q&A with pre-submitted questions from students, faculty, staff and community members. Submit your question at this link.
A livestream of the event will also be available at this link.
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