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John “Danny” Olivas

John “Danny” Olivas

Keynote Speaker: Former NASA Astronaut & Mission Assurance Expert; Co-Director of the Visual Intelligence & Multimedia Analytics Laboratory at the University of Southern California

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John “Danny” Olivas Biography

Dr. John “Danny” Olivas is a former NASA astronaut who has participated in two space shuttle missions, STS-117 and STS-128 and performed five spacewalks. He has accumulated a total of 27 days, 17 hours, and 5 minutes in space. His first space shuttle mission was STS-117, where he performed two spacewalks and gained 14 hours and 13 minutes of EVA experience. STS-128 was his second space shuttle mission, where he served as a mission specialist and performed three spacewalks.

Dr. Olivas is presently the co-director of the Visual Intelligence and Multimedia Analytics Laboratory at the University of Southern California, researching the uses of artificial intelligence in space-related endeavors. In 2013, he joined the University of Texas at El Paso as Director of the Center for the Advancement of Space Safety and Mission Assurance Research (CASSMAR), where he oversees space initiatives on campus. He was selected by NASA in 1998 as an astronaut candidate and went through extensive training. During his NASA tenure, he had various technical roles within the Robotics Branch and the EVA (Extravehicular Activity) Branch.

Dr. Olivas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston, and a PhD in mechanical engineering and materials science from Rice University. He is also recognized for his contributions to materials science. Beyond his space career, he appeared as a contestant on Nickelodeon's revival of "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" in 2019. He is the recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement medal, and two NASA Space Flight medals. He is also the recipient of the 2006 University of Texas at El Paso Distinguished Alumni and the 2020 Rice Engineering Outstanding Alumni awards.

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John “Danny” Olivas Speaking Topics

Mission Success: Mission Assurance and Lessons Learned In Space™

Many industries share commonality with the hazards associated with human spaceflight — particularly those where potential for product or system failures may lead to serious safety issues for customers/employees or result in significant financial loss. Olivas uses Lessons Learned in Space™ to encourage companies to challenge their own internal procedures to aim for failsafe processes. Through real-world examples developed in the crucible of the space exploration, Olivas inspires corporate audiences to Think Like an Astronaut™ to improve workplace and product safety.

Ticket to Ride: The Near Future of Commercial Manned Space Travel

Across the globe, private enterprise is stepping into the domain once occupied by government endeavors. How soon will an average traveler by able to purchase a ticket to space? Perhaps sooner than you think. Olivas discusses the current state of human spaceflight and explores what it takes to journey to the Moon, to Mars and outer destinations in the Solar System.

Space Capsules: True but little-known versions of mission-saving orbital inventions

While accounts of catastrophic space-shuttle failures are now part of American history, many of the official reports from successful missions omit the facts of last-minute fixes from orbit that prevented disasters. Olivas weaves these little-known details into anecdotes about how astronauts in space, specialists on Earth, and some ordinary people contributed to out-of-the-box inventions and how everyone’s contribution is essential to mission success.

How Does Space Smell?: The wonders of shuttle travel from lift-off to touch-down

Fewer than 150 people have made the trip from Earth to the International Space Station, but most people are curious about the voyage. Olivas invites the audience along for the ride, using anecdotes, film and photos from his two missions, spacewalks, and historic orbital repair of the space shuttle.

John “Danny” Olivas Videos

Lessons Learned In Space | Danny Olivas | TEDxUTEP
Challenges of Spacewalking -- Danny Olivas
Challenges of Spacewalking -- Danny Olivas

How do I book John “Danny” Olivas to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like John “Danny” Olivas for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for John “Danny” Olivas, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for John “Danny” Olivas or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book John “Danny” Olivas for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for John “Danny” Olivas, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire John “Danny” Olivas, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does John “Danny” Olivas speak about?

John “Danny” Olivas is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Space, Engineering, Science, Authors, Hispanic Heritage, Technology and Diversity.

Where does John “Danny” Olivas travel from?

John “Danny” Olivas generally travels from California, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for John “Danny” Olivas?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like John “Danny” Olivas for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book John “Danny” Olivas for your next private or corporate function.

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John “Danny” Olivas is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Space, Engineering and Science. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. John “Danny” Olivas generally travels from California, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are José M. Hernández, Sylvia Acevedo and Shayla Rivera. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling John “Danny” Olivas for an upcoming event.

John “Danny” Olivas Speaking Topics

  • Mission Success: Mission Assurance and Lessons Learned In Space™

    Many industries share commonality with the hazards associated with human spaceflight — particularly those where potential for product or system failures may lead to serious safety issues for customers/employees or result in significant financial loss. Olivas uses Lessons Learned in Space™ to encourage companies to challenge their own internal procedures to aim for failsafe processes. Through real-world examples developed in the crucible of the space exploration, Olivas inspires corporate audiences to Think Like an Astronaut™ to improve workplace and product safety.

  • Ticket to Ride: The Near Future of Commercial Manned Space Travel

    Across the globe, private enterprise is stepping into the domain once occupied by government endeavors. How soon will an average traveler by able to purchase a ticket to space? Perhaps sooner than you think. Olivas discusses the current state of human spaceflight and explores what it takes to journey to the Moon, to Mars and outer destinations in the Solar System.

  • Space Capsules: True but little-known versions of mission-saving orbital inventions

    While accounts of catastrophic space-shuttle failures are now part of American history, many of the official reports from successful missions omit the facts of last-minute fixes from orbit that prevented disasters. Olivas weaves these little-known details into anecdotes about how astronauts in space, specialists on Earth, and some ordinary people contributed to out-of-the-box inventions and how everyone’s contribution is essential to mission success.

  • How Does Space Smell?: The wonders of shuttle travel from lift-off to touch-down

    Fewer than 150 people have made the trip from Earth to the International Space Station, but most people are curious about the voyage. Olivas invites the audience along for the ride, using anecdotes, film and photos from his two missions, spacewalks, and historic orbital repair of the space shuttle.

John “Danny” Olivas Videos

Lessons Learned In Space | Danny Olivas | TEDxUTEP
Challenges of Spacewalking -- Danny Olivas
Challenges of Spacewalking -- Danny Olivas
Former NASA Anstronaut Danny Olivas, UTEP Unite to Advance Space Research
Centennial Stories - John "Danny" Olivas
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