Media advisory

First African-American to space walk visits summer camp at WUSTL

WHO: Bernard Harris, aerospace flight surgeon and first African American to walk in space.

WHAT: Harris visits the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp to share his story and join in a science challenge with 48 middle school campers at Washington University in St. Louis.

As a part of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, participants will welcome Dr. Bernard Harris, camp founder, aerospace flight surgeon and the first African American to conduct a spacewalk, on Friday, June 20. Throughout the two- week camp, students will conduct hands-on experiments, participate in highly interactive demonstrations and learn about engineering and other science careers.

WHEN: Friday, June 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. The camp runs every weekday from June 16-27.

WHERE: Room 300 in the Laboratory Sciences on the Washington University Danforth Campus.

WHY: Studies show that the United States will face a critical shortage of engineers, scientists and other technically trained workers in the future. To help address this crisis, former astronaut Bernard Harris and ExxonMobil have teamed up to develop two-week summer camps at 23 colleges and universities that offer innovative math and science programs to encourage middle school students to stay in school, develop their knowledge in these disciplines and foster their interest to pursue careers in these fields. Participating students were selected based on grades, teacher nominations and interest in math and science. Washington University in St. Louis is proud to host the camp for a second year.

MORE INFO: Contact Dana Benedicktus at (314) 935-6846; cell (314) 724-2297.