TAMPA, Fla. — It’s Women’s History Month and all March long, we’re celebrating local women who have made a positive impact on society and we’re honoring retired astronaut Nicole Stott, who grew up in Clearwater.
What You Need To Know
- Nicole Stott, a 28 year veteran of NASA, grew up in Clearwater
- She had two trips to space, for a combined 104 days living and working on the space shuttle and ISS
- Stott said she gained an interest in flying from her father who built and flew small planes out of Clearwater Air Park
Stott had a 28-year-career with NASA that included two trips to space, for a combined 104 days living and working on the space shuttle and the International Space Station.
Stott said she gained an interest in flying from her father.
“My dad built and flew small airplanes out at Clearwater Air Park,” Stott said.“And that’s where I developed my love of flying and wanting to know how things fly.”
Stott also gives credit to some of the elective classes she took while attending Clearwater High School, where she graduated from in 1980.
Along with her lengthy career with NASA, Stott is also a published author with her new book Back to Earth. She also co-founded the Space for Art Foundation, which connects space exploration with art therapy for children.
Memorabilia from Stott’s space travels are now on display at the Clearwater Historical Society Museum, as part of their Trailblazing Women of Clearwater exhibit. The exhibit will run through Mother’s Day on May 14.