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

What's the difference between each UNC merch shop on Franklin Street?
Franklin Street is lined with restaurants, coffee shops and to a large extent, apparel stores. But as a student and longtime University of North...
Sun May 17, 2026

Eric Church delivers 'greatest commencement speech ever' in viral address to UNC graduates
Country music star Eric Church earned praise for delivering the "greatest" commencement speech with his now-viral address to UNC graduates, after working on the piece...
Sat May 16, 2026

Lucas: Eric Church delivers a Commencement to remember
Graduation is a fabulous time for highly accomplished strangers to deliver heartfelt and transformative advice. They stop in for the weekend, go to a couple...
Thu May 14, 2026

Savannah Bananas At Kenan Stadium Generate $17.1 Million In Economic Impact
The Savannah Bananas' appearance at UNC's Kenan Stadium generated more than $17.1 million in direct economic impact for the town of Chapel Hill and the...
Mon May 11, 2026