'It’s totally surreal': UNC's fourth astronaut graduate recalls her path to NASA
Posted Nov 8, 2019
One UNC alumna may soon have an out-of-this-world experience — literally. Zena Cardman, who graduated with her master's in 2014, is a NASA astronaut candidate who has spent the past two years training for potential space travel. “I actually didn’t grow up always wanting to be an astronaut,” Cardman said. “I wanted to do all kinds of different things."
(Daily Tar Heel)
Related: Campus Connections
UNC alum works behind the scenes for Savannah Bananas baseball teamA mix of skills Kelly Yang learned at UNC help her play a key behind-the-scenes role for one of the most entertaining, innovative shows in...
Fri Apr 10, 2026How UNC alum Rick Dees came to Los Angeles and became a radio legend
Born Rigdon Osmond Dees III in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 14, 1950, Rick Dees was raised in Greensboro, NC. He began his radio career while...
Thu Apr 9, 2026
Video: Carolina Insider - Interview With Former Denver Nuggets Coach and Tar Heel Dad Michael Malone
Former Denver Nuggets Head Coach, Michael Malone, also a proud UNC Volleyball parent, joins Jones Angell and Adam Lucas to talk about what it took...
Mon Apr 6, 2026
Eight UNC students selected as 2026 Carolina Blue Honors Fellows
Eight students from the University of North Carolina were selected as recipients of the 2026 Carolina Blue Honors Fellowship to pursue unique and self-initiated summer...
Sun Apr 5, 2026