Available to book
Leland Melvin
Adversity
Resilience
Effective Leadership
Transform STEM education and leadership with Leland Melvin, speaker and former NASA astronaut. Leland works with organizations to inspire resilience and innovation, delivering powerful insights from his unique journey from NFL player to space explorer.
Educator
STEM
After Dinner Sports
NASA
American Football
Astronaut
Inclusion
Scientist
Sport
Author
Inspirational
International Mens Day
After Dinner Speakers
Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, and former NASA astronaut, whose diverse career path has taken him from the football fields of the NFL to the vastness of space. As a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Leland played a crucial role in constructing the International Space Station during missions STS-122 and STS-129. His unique journey is marked by resilience and adaptability, making him a compelling figure in science and education. Before his time at NASA, Leland was drafted by the Detroit Lions, making him the only person drafted into the NFL and flown in space. The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized his athletic and academic achievements, honoring him by displaying his Detroit Lions jersey. Leland's transition from professional sports to space exploration exemplifies his ability to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities. Leland's academic background is rooted in science, with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Richmond and a Master’s degree in materials science engineering from the University of Virginia. His work at NASA Langley Research Center involved developing optical fiber sensors for aerospace vehicles, contributing to numerous scientific publications. After retiring from space missions, Leland led NASA's Education division and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEAM Education Task Force, shaping the nation’s STEM education strategy. In addition to his technical expertise, Leland is a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. He holds five honorary doctorates in recognition of his contributions to education, science, and philanthropy. His memoir, "Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances," offers insights into his life journey and the values that have guided him. Leland's experiences have also been shared through various media appearances, including National Geographic's "One Strange Rock" and as a guest judge on "Top Chef." His story of perseverance and excellence continues to inspire future generations to explore careers in STEM fields.
Topics, sessions and talks
Leland Melvin, a former tennis ace, cross-country traveller, chemistry enthusiast, and NFL draftee, found his ultimate calling as an astronaut. He shares his journey of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities, which eventually led him to the International Space Station. Attendees will learn about the transformative experiences that shaped his unique perspective on life on Earth.
As an astronaut, engineer, and former professional athlete, Leland Melvin understands high-stakes teamwork and problem-solving. Drawing from his experiences aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis and NASA’s mission control, he shares insights on collaboration, crisis management, and leadership in extreme environments. His perspective on innovation and adaptability offers valuable takeaways for organisations looking to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and build resilient teams.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email leland.melvin@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Leland's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Leland Melvin draws on first-person accounts from his missions aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis and time at NASA mission control to illustrate principles of teamwork, crisis management, and leadership under pressure, grounding each point in documented experience from extreme environments.
Leland Melvin speaks on personal resilience and career reinvention, high-stakes leadership and teamwork, and innovation and adaptability in extreme environments. He is the only person to have been drafted into the NFL and flown in space, having served as a mission specialist on Space Shuttle Atlantis during missions STS-122 and STS-129.
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