José M. Hernández
Keynote Speaker: Former NASA Astronaut, Engineer, Former Candidate for U.S. Congress & Author
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José M. Hernández Biography
NASA engineer Jose Hernandez wanted to fly in space ever since he heard that the first Hispanic-American had been chosen to travel into space. "I was hoeing a row of sugar beets in a field near Stockton, Calif., and I heard on my transistor radio that Franklin Chang-Diaz had been selected for the Astronaut Corps," says Hernandez, who was a senior in high school at the time. "I was already interested in science and engineering," Hernandez remembers, "but that was the moment I said, 'I want to fly in space.' And that's something I've been striving for each day since then." And now that hard work has paid off. He was selected to begin training as a mission specialist as part of the 2004 astronaut candidate class.
One of four children in a migrant farming family from Mexico, Hernandez -- who didn't learn English until he was 12 years old -- spent much of his childhood on what he calls "the California circuit," traveling with his family from Mexico to southern California each March, then working northward to the Stockton area by November, picking strawberries and cucumbers at farms along the route. Then they would return to Mexico for Christmas, and start the cycle all over again come spring.
"Some kids might think it would be fun to travel like that," Hernandez laughs, "but we had to work. It wasn't a vacation."
After graduating high school in Stockton, Hernandez enrolled at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering and was awarded a full scholarship to the graduate program at the University of California in Santa Barbara, where he continued his engineering studies. In 1987, he accepted a full-time job with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where he had worked as a co-op in college.
While at Lawrence Livermore, Hernandez worked on signal and image processing applications in radar imaging, computed tomography, and acoustic imaging. Later in his career, Hernandez worked on developing quantitative x-ray film imaging analysis techniques for the x-ray laser program. Hernandez applied these techniques in the medical physics arena and co-developed the first full-field digital mammography imaging system. This system has proven useful for detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage than present film/screen mammography techniques. Hernandez has won recognition awards for his work on this project. He has also worked in the international arena where he represented Lawrence Livermore and the U.S. Department of Energy on Russian nuclear non-proliferation issues.
During the astronaut application process, Hernandez had to meet with a review board. That's where he came face-to-face with his original inspiration: Franklin Chang-Diaz.
"It was a strange place to find myself, being evaluated by the person who gave me the motivation to get there in the first place," Hernandez says. "But I found that we actually had common experiences -- a similar upbringing, the same language issues. That built up my confidence. Any barriers that existed, he had already hurdled them."
Hernandez smiles. "Now it's my turn!"
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like José M. Hernández 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 José M. Hernández, 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 José M. Hernández or any other speaker of your choice.
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Speaking fees for José M. Hernández, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book José M. Hernández are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire José M. Hernández, 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 José M. Hernández speak about?
José M. Hernández is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Space, Hispanic Heritage, Diversity, Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Technology, STEM, STEM Education and Virtual.
Where does José M. Hernández travel from?
José M. Hernández generally travels from Stockton, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
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AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like José M. Hernández 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 José M. Hernández for your next private or corporate function.
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José M. Hernández is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Space, Hispanic Heritage and Diversity. The estimated speaking fee range to book José M. Hernández for live events is $30,000 - $50,000, and for virtual events $20,000 - $30,000. José M. Hernández generally travels from Stockton, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are J.R. Martinez, Shayla Rivera and Sylvia Acevedo. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling José M. Hernández for an upcoming event.
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José M. Hernández Videos
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José M. Hernández Reviews
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The event was outstanding! Students, families, and our entire LESD Learning Community LOVED IT! There were tears, laughter, and so much joy the entire night. The inspiration Mr. Hernandez created for all those in attendance was incredibly touching. Gracias, gracias, gracias! These memories will last a lifetime for each of us, but most importantly for our students.
Lamont ESD - Nov 23 2023 -
Desert Sands Charter High School - Oct 05 2023
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José was excellent to work with. Thank you!
Omaha Public Schools - Aug 23 2022 -
PayPal - Sep 24 2021
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Danaher Corporation - Aug 13 2020
NEWS
José M. Hernández News
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Immigrant Farm Worker Who Became Astronaut To Share Life Story In New Movie
Hernandez, an immigrant with an aptitude for math and science who graduated from the University of the Pacific, was rejected 11 times by NASA before being accepted to the astronaut program. He eventually emerged from the highly-competitive process, and “spent 14 days in space in 2009 as a flight engineer aboard Space Shuttle Mission STS-128.”
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Hispanic heritage month: jose hernandez, from field worker to nasa ...
When Jose Hernandez was born, many people thought his life was mapped out for him. Raised by ... "You think I'm gonna quit my first time as a congressman?
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