'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

Stuart Scott 30 for 30 showcases ESPN legend who changed the game
Stuart Scott is the subject of ESPN’s latest 30 for 30 film: “Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott,” which premieres on Dec. 10 at 9...
Mon Dec 8, 2025

Giving tours of Carolina strengthened Gillian Kepley’s love for it
If there was a record book for most campus tours given by a Carolina student, Gillian Kepley ’25 would probably find her name at the...
Sat Dec 6, 2025

UNC Alum, NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman Captures Incredible Visual Of Aurora From Space
UNC alumna Zena Cardman serves as the commander of NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission, which was launched on August 1, 2025. At the International Space Station,...
Fri Dec 5, 2025

What does it take to open a restaurant on Franklin Street?
Kenan-Flagler Business School professor Dr. Ted Zoller said restaurant culture in Chapel Hill manifests in the East Franklin Street and West Franklin Street markets, which...
Wed Dec 3, 2025