Pat Ford Dr. Ford is the Dean of the School of Science and Technology, as well as Program Director for the Space Studies Program at the American Military University. His doctoral research focused on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in support of U.S. Navy tactical surveillance efforts. He received his Master of Science degree in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota (1998), where his research focused on the development of new methods of microgravity countermeasures in support of long-duration space flight. Dr. Ford also serves as a senior technical advisor for the U.S. Navy in support of the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18 Growler tactical electronic attack aircraft. He is a retired U.S. Naval Reserve cryptologic officer.

The human exploration and colonization of Mars represents a daunting yet achievable challenge. In this presentation, Apollo 11/Gemini 12 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and American Military University Dean of Science & Technology Patrick Ford, will provide an overview of the Cycler option for travel to and from Mars, as well as the life support challenges associated with such transits.

TIME: 4:00 PM Saturday Talks 1