'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-Chapel Hill announces plans to develop campus extension in Carolina NorthUNC is proud to announce the development of a new campus extension in Carolina North, a generational investment in its academic mission, public impact, and...
Wed Jan 21, 2026He's Not Here postcard mural sends visitors lasting scenes of Chapel Hill's charm
In 2013, local Chapel Hill artist and UNC graduate Scott Nurkin completed the iconic Chapel Hill postcard mural by the back entrance of He’s Not...
Wed Jan 21, 2026
Two UNC Alums Earn Forbes 30 Under 30 Nods
Two University of North Carolina graduates, media entrepreneur Anne Marie Hagerty ’18 and tech innovator Sheel Patel ’24, were named to the 2026 Forbes 30...
Wed Jan 21, 2026
UNC startups create $8 billion in yearly economic impact
UNC-affiliated startups and commercialization activities generated nearly $8 billion in economic impact across North Carolina over the past year, according to the University’s innovation and...
Mon Jan 19, 2026