225 years of Tar Heels: Zena Cardman

Posted Oct 17, 2018
As a Carolina student, alumna Zena Cardman could be found researching microorganisms in some of the most remote places on Earth. In her current job, Cardman may one day find herself in an even more remote place: space. In 2017, Cardman was one of 12 people chosen out of more than 18,000 applicants to become a member of NASA’s astronaut candidate class. (UNC.edu)

Related: Campus Connections

Michael Jordan’s historic $10 million gift honors mother, expands UNC School of Social Work’s impact
In honor of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, Michael Jordan has made a $10 million commitment to the UNC School of Social Work. The largest...
Mon Oct 5, 2026

Audio: 100 Years of Kenan Stadium - Commencement VIPs
You never know who you’ll see at Kenan Stadium. For Chapelboro’s own Kenny Dike, his commencement in the spring of 2001 featured a few special...
Tue Sep 29, 2026

A guide to the most iconic UNC campus characters
The beloved campus crossing guards by South Road have left the most positive effect on my time at UNC out of any of the campus...
Sun Sep 27, 2026

Video: Carolina Insider - Ken Cleary On Montross Day Of Service
UNC Assistant Athletic Director for New Media Ken Cleary discusses his role in GoHeels Productions (1:14), his personal journey with cancer and recovery (12:47), and...
Fri Sep 25, 2026