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Three Roads to Quantum Gravity (SCIENCE MASTERS)
by Lee SmolinA leading theoretical physicist describes the search for a 'theory of everything'.The Holy Grail of modern physics is the search for a 'quantum gravity' view of the universe that unites Einstein's general relativity with quantum theory. Until recently, these two foundational pillars of modern science have seemed incompatible: relativity deals exclusively with the universe at the large scale (planets, solar systems and galaxies), whereas quantum theory is restricted to the domain of the very small (molecules, atoms, electrons). Here, Lee Smolin provides the first accessible overview of current attempts to reconcile these two theories.Written with wit and style, Three Roads to Quantum Gravity touches on some of the deepest questions about the nature of the universe - are space and time continuous or infinitely divisible? Is there a limit to how small things can be? - while speculating on what developments we can expect at the frontiers of physics in the twenty-first century.
Three Scientific Revolutions
by Richard H. SchlagelScience has had a profound influence in shaping contemporary perspectives of reality, yet few in the public have fully grasped the profound implications of scientific discoveries. This book describes three intellectual revolutions that led to the current scientific consensus, emphasizing how science over the centuries has undermined traditional, religious worldviews.The author begins in ancient Greece, where the first revolution took place. Beginning in the sixth-century BCE, a series of innovative thinkers rejected the mythology of their culture and turned to rational analysis and the empirical study of reality. This change in thinking, though it lay dormant for the many centuries of Christian hegemony in the West, eventually gave rise to the Enlightenment of the 17th and 18th centuries--the second revolution. Highlighted by such luminaries as Kepler, Galileo, and Isaac Newton, the Enlightenment laid the foundations for our current understanding of the world.Today we live amidst the third scientific revolution, including Darwin's theory of evolution, Planck's concept of the quantum, Einstein's relativity theories, Bohr's quantum mechanics, along with Watson and Crick's decoding of the human genome with the prospect of improving human nature. Besides technological wonders, this revolution has also supported widespread respect for freedom of thought, greater educational opportunities, and democratic governments. Looking to the future, Schlagel sees many exciting possibilities yet also potentially devastating threats to the environment. He underscores the need for widespread scientific literacy, stressing that only unfettered scientific inquiry offers a realistic hope of overcoming these daunting challenges.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Three Shots at Prevention: The HPV Vaccine and the Politics of Medicine's Simple Solutions
by Keith Wailoo Julie Livingston Steven Epstein Robert AronowitzIn 2007, Texas governor Rick Perry issued an executive order requiring that all females entering sixth grade be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), igniting national debate that echoed arguments heard across the globe over public policy, sexual health, and the politics of vaccination. Three Shots at Prevention explores the contentious disputes surrounding the controversial vaccine intended to protect against HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection. When the HPV vaccine first came to the market in 2006, religious conservatives decried the government's approval of the vaccine as implicitly sanctioning teen sex and encouraging promiscuity while advocates applauded its potential to prevent 4,000 cervical cancer deaths in the United States each year. Families worried that laws requiring vaccination reached too far into their private lives. Public health officials wrestled with concerns over whether the drug was too new to be required and whether opposition to it could endanger support for other, widely accepted vaccinations. Many people questioned the aggressive marketing campaigns of the vaccine's creator, Merck & Co. And, since HPV causes cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus, why was the vaccine recommended only for females? What did this reveal about gender and sexual politics in the United States? With hundreds of thousands of HPV-related cancer deaths worldwide, how did similar national debates in Europe and the developing world shape the global possibilities of cancer prevention?This volume provides insight into the deep moral, ethical, and scientific questions that must be addressed when sexual and social politics confront public health initiatives in the United States and around the world.
The Three Sisters: Acid Gas Injection, Carbon Capture and Sequestration, and Enhanced Oil Recovery (Advances in Natural Gas Engineering)
by Ying Wu John J. Carroll Yongle HuThis is the seventh volume in the series, Advances in Natural Gas Engineering, focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and sequestration, acid gas injection, and enhanced oil recovery, the “three sisters” of natural gas engineering. This volume includes information for both upstream and downstream operations, including chapters detailing the most cutting-edge techniques in acid gas injection, carbon capture, chemical and thermodynamic models, and much more. Written by some of the most well-known and respected chemical and process engineers working with natural gas today, the chapters in this important volume represent the most state-of-the-art processes and operations being used in the field. Not available anywhere else, this volume is a must-have for any chemical engineer, chemist, or process engineer in the industry. Advances in Natural Gas Engineering is an ongoing series of books meant to form the basis for the working library of any engineer working in natural gas today.
Three Steps to the Universe: From the Sun to Black Holes to the Mystery of Dark Matter
by David Garfinkle Richard GarfinkleIf scientists can't touch the sun, how do they know what it's made of? And if we can't see black holes, how can we be confident they exist? Gravitational physicist David Garfinkle and his brother, science fiction writer Richard Garfinkle, tackle these questions and more in Three Steps to the Universe, a tour through some of the most complex phenomena in the cosmos and an accessible exploration of how scientists acquire knowledge about the universe through observation, indirect detection, and theory. The authors begin by inviting readers to step away from the Earth and reconsider our Sun. What we can directly observe of this star is limited to its surface, but with the advent of telescopes and spectroscopy, scientists know more than ever about its physical characteristics, origins, and projected lifetime. From the sun, the authors journey further out into space to explore black holes. The Garfinkle brothers explain that our understanding of these astronomical oddities began in theory, and growing mathematical and physical evidence has unexpectedly supported it. From black holes, the authors lead us further into the unknown, to the dark matter and energy that pervade our universe, where science teeters on the edge of theory and discovery. Returning from the depths of space, the final section of the book brings the reader back down to Earth for a final look at the practice of science, ending with a practical guide to discerning real science from pseudoscience among the cacophony of print and online scientific sources. Three Steps to the Universe will reward anyone interested in learning more about the universe around us and show how scientists uncover its mysteries.
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets
by Jessica FoxIn this inspiring, delightful memoir, a young woman decides to escape the daily grind and turn her "what if" fantasy into a reality, only to find work--and a man--she loves in one fell swoop, all in a secondhand bookstore in a quaint Scottish town.Jessica Fox was an ambitious twenty-six-year-old filmmaker, but she was stuck in a rut and couldn't take it anymore. Living in Hollywood and working a high-stress job at NASA, she was seized by a moment of inspiration one night and typed "second hand bookshop Scotland" into Google. She clicked on the first link she saw. A month later, she crossed the Atlantic to the west coast of Scotland, and knocked on the door of the bookshop she would be calling home for the next year... The rollercoaster journey that ensued--involving Scottish Hanukkah, a swoon-worthy love story, yoga on Galloway's West Coast, and a waxing that Jessica will never forget--would both break and mend her heart. It would also teach her that before we can write our own stories, we must have the courage to travel the path less taken. If you've ever wondered how you could change the course of your life, Jessica's charming story will entertain, enlighten, and inspire you to begin your own journey of self-discovery.
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets: A Real-Life Scottish Fairy Tale
by Jessica A. FoxIn this inspiring, delightful memoir, a young woman decides to escape the daily grind and turn her "what if" fantasy into a reality, only to find work--and a man--she loves in one fell swoop, all in a secondhand bookstore in a quaint Scottish town.Jessica Fox was living in Hollywood, an ambitious 26-year-old film-maker with a high-stress job at NASA. Working late one night, craving another life, she was seized by a moment of inspiration and tapped "second hand bookshop Scotland" into Google. She clicked the first link she saw. A month later, she arrived 2,000 miles across the Atlantic in Wigtown, on the west coast of Scotland, and knocked on the door of the bookshop she would be living in for the next month . . . The rollercoaster journey that ensued--taking in Scottish Hanukkah, yoga on Galloway's west coast, and a waxing that she will never forget--would both break and mend her heart. It would also teach her that sometimes we must have the courage to travel the path less taken. Only then can we truly become the writers of our own stories.
Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets
by Jessica A. FoxJessica Fox was living in Hollywood, an ambitious 26-year-old film-maker with a high-stress job at NASA. Working late one night, craving another life, she was seized by a moment of inspiration and tapped "second hand bookshop Scotland" into Google. She clicked the first link she saw. A month later, she arrived 2,000 miles across the Atlantic in Wigtown, on the west coast of Scotland, and knocked on the door of the bookshop she would be living in for the next month . . . The rollercoaster journey that ensued--taking in Scottish Hanukkah, yoga on Galloway's west coast, and a waxing that she will never forget--would both break and mend her heart. It would also teach her that sometimes we must have the courage to travel the path less taken. Only then can we truly become the writers of our own stories.ge to travel the path less taken. If you've ever wondered how you could change the course of your life, Jessica's charming story will entertain, enlighten, and inspire you to begin your own journey of self-discovery.
Three Treatises on Copernican Theory (Dover Thrift Editions)
by Nicolaus CopernicusUniversally regarded as a founder of modern astronomy, Copernicus wrote in Latin, and his works were unavailable in English until the publication of this 1939 translation. A three-part collection, it consists of the "Commentariolus," Copernicus' sketch of his hypotheses for the heavenly motions; "Narratio Prima," Georg Joachim Rheticus' popular introduction to Copernican theory; and "The Letter Against Werner," Copernicus' refutation of the views of one of his contemporaries. <P><P> The historical relevance of the "Commentariolus" and "Narratio Prima" is hard to overstate; these are the works that launched a revolution in the scientific perception of the universe. The inclusion of "The Letter Against Werner" offers an item of intrinsic interest that sheds light on the development of the great astronomer's thought. This revised edition of the original translation features extensive editorial apparatus, including an Introduction with biographies of Copernicus and his disciple, Georg Joachim Rheticus; background information on each treatise; and an index.
Three Views on Christianity and Science (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology)
by ZondervanWhen it comes to relating Christianity to modern Western culture, perhaps no topic is more controversial than the relationship between Christianity and science. Outside the church, the myth of an age-old conflict between science and Christianity is nearly ubiquitous in popular culture and can poison the well before a fruitful dialogue can begin. Within the church, opposing viewpoints on the relation between Christianity and science often lead to division and rancor.Three Views on Christianity and Science addresses both types of conflict. Featuring leading evangelical representatives, it presents three primary options for the compatibility of Christianity and science and models constructive dialogue on the surrounding controversial issues.The highlighted contributors and their views are:Michael Ruse, Independence View--When functioning correctly, science and Christian theology operate independently of each other, seeking answers to different questions through different means.Alister McGrath, Dialogue View--Though the natural sciences and Christian philosophy and theology function differently, they can and should inform each other.Bruce L. Gordon, Constrained Integration View--Science, philosophy, and theology all contribute to our understanding of reality. Their interactions constrain each other and together present an optimally coherent and integrated picture of reality.By engaging with the viewpoints of the contributors, readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the compatibility of science and Christianity, as well as of the positions of those who disagree with them. Scholars, students, pastors, and interested laypeople will be able to make use of this material in research, assignments, sermons and lessons, evangelism, and apologetics.
Three Windows on Eternity
by Allerd StikkerThree Windows on Eternity is an exploratory voyage past the frontiers of our knowledge and scientific understanding. It has led the author to inspirational insights about the role of the individual human being in the current phase of the evolutionary process. The author takes the reader on a journey through evolution from the Big Bang to the 21st century. Based on scientific research and personal observation, he argues and concludes that of the 13.5 billion years of evolution, the first 10 billion years, a so-called inorganic evolutionary period lasting from the Big Bang until the emergence of life, was irrefutably governed by a magnificent design. By 'design' he does not mean 'intelligent' design but a state resulting from the eight fundamental constants of nature that emerged in the first nanoseconds following the birth of the universe. That state is a question of personal interpretation, inspired by religious belief or otherwise. The story of evolution presented in this book can raise awareness and inspiration in today's younger generations as they try to realize a controlled transition within the next 25 years, thus avoiding an uncontrolled overshoot/collapse scenario.In this respect, we are playing with time. The author is convinced that many young people who will populate the world in that period are keen to learn from the new story of evolution and are eager to act and contribute to a constructive new phase in that evolution in the 21st century.
Three Windows on Eternity
by Allerd StikkerThree Windows on Eternity is an exploratory voyage past the frontiers of our knowledge and scientific understanding. It has led the author to inspirational insights about the role of the individual human being in the current phase of the evolutionary process. The author takes the reader on a journey through evolution from the Big Bang to the 21st century. Based on scientific research and personal observation, he argues and concludes that of the 13.5 billion years of evolution, the first 10 billion years, a so-called inorganic evolutionary period lasting from the Big Bang until the emergence of life, was irrefutably governed by a magnificent design. By 'design' he does not mean 'intelligent' design but a state resulting from the eight fundamental constants of nature that emerged in the first nanoseconds following the birth of the universe. That state is a question of personal interpretation, inspired by religious belief or otherwise. The story of evolution presented in this book can raise awareness and inspiration in today's younger generations as they try to realize a controlled transition within the next 25 years, thus avoiding an uncontrolled overshoot/collapse scenario.In this respect, we are playing with time. The author is convinced that many young people who will populate the world in that period are keen to learn from the new story of evolution and are eager to act and contribute to a constructive new phase in that evolution in the 21st century.
Three Windows on Eternity
by Allerd StikkerThree Windows on Eternity is an exploratory voyage past the frontiers of our knowledge and scientific understanding. It has led the author to inspirational insights about the role of the individual human being in the current phase of the evolutionary process. The author takes the reader on a journey through evolution from the Big Bang to the 21st century. Based on scientific research and personal observation, he argues and concludes that of the 13.5 billion years of evolution, the first 10 billion years, a so-called inorganic evolutionary period lasting from the Big Bang until the emergence of life, was irrefutably governed by a magnificent design. By 'design' he does not mean 'intelligent' design but a state resulting from the eight fundamental constants of nature that emerged in the first nanoseconds following the birth of the universe. That state is a question of personal interpretation, inspired by religious belief or otherwise. The story of evolution presented in this book can raise awareness and inspiration in today's younger generations as they try to realize a controlled transition within the next 25 years, thus avoiding an uncontrolled overshoot/collapse scenario.In this respect, we are playing with time. The author is convinced that many young people who will populate the world in that period are keen to learn from the new story of evolution and are eager to act and contribute to a constructive new phase in that evolution in the 21st century.
Threshold (A Chance Matthews Novel)
by Caitlin R. KiernanChance Matthews has suffered enough tragedies. The latest-her grandfather's death-has left her shaken, convinced that she will always be alone. What she needs now is time-time to recover, time to determine what her future will be.<P><P> What she doesn't need is a strange girl with alabaster skin who knows things about Chance she can't possibly know. This girl speaks of being charged by an angel to battle monsters and claims she cannot do it alone. She says she needs Chance's help. Chance doesn't believe in angels. Or monsters. But among the artifacts left by her geologist grandparents, there lies a fossil of a creature that couldn't possibly have ever existed.But it did.And still does...
Thrifty Science: Making the Most of Materials in the History of Experiment
by Simon WerrettIf the twentieth century saw the rise of “Big Science,” then the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were surely an age of thrift. As Simon Werrett’s new history shows, frugal early modern experimenters transformed their homes into laboratories as they recycled, repurposed, repaired, and reused their material possessions to learn about the natural world. Thrifty Science explores this distinctive culture of experiment and demonstrates how the values of the household helped to shape an array of experimental inquiries, ranging from esoteric investigations of glowworms and sour beer to famous experiments such as Benjamin Franklin’s use of a kite to show lightning was electrical and Isaac Newton’s investigations of color using prisms. Tracing the diverse ways that men and women put their material possessions into the service of experiment, Werrett offers a history of practices of recycling and repurposing that are often assumed to be more recent in origin. This thriving domestic culture of inquiry was eclipsed by new forms of experimental culture in the nineteenth century, however, culminating in the resource-hungry science of the twentieth. Could thrifty science be making a comeback today, as scientists grapple with the need to make their research more environmentally sustainable?
THRIVE: How to Cultivate Character So Your Children Can Flourish Online
by Dr Tom HarrisonWinner of the International Federation for Family Development Award.When Dr Tom Harrison, a leading expert in the field of character education and the Internet, bought his daughter her first smartphone, a major milestone had been reached: she had entered the 'cyber-world'. Harrison no longer needed to know what to think; he needed to know what to do. This is the first practical book of its kind to show parents and teachers how to develop character as the foundation for helping young people to thrive in their online interactions. It answers the question: How do we prepare our children to do the right thing when no one is watching?Based on his own experience as a parent, more than a decade of research and thousands of conversations with parents, teachers, children and policymakers, the REACT and THRIVE models have been developed to engage with character, wellbeing, social and emotional learning, ethics and digital citizenship - all the ingredients for flourishing online.The world is waking up to the importance of character for individual and wider societal flourishing. Harrison is at the forefront of this movement and is regularly invited to advise policymakers and thousand of teachers and parents around the world. This book is a must-read for parents and educators who want to help children not just survive but thrive online in their cyber-worlds.
THRIVE: How to Cultivate Character So Your Children Can Flourish Online
by Dr Tom HarrisonWinner of the International Federation for Family Development Award.When Dr Tom Harrison, a leading expert in the field of character education and the Internet, bought his daughter her first smartphone, a major milestone had been reached: she had entered the 'cyber-world'. Harrison no longer needed to know what to think; he needed to know what to do. This is the first practical book of its kind to show parents and teachers how to develop character as the foundation for helping young people to thrive in their online interactions. It answers the question: How do we prepare our children to do the right thing when no one is watching?Based on his own experience as a parent, more than a decade of research and thousands of conversations with parents, teachers, children and policymakers, the REACT and THRIVE models have been developed to engage with character, wellbeing, social and emotional learning, ethics and digital citizenship - all the ingredients for flourishing online.The world is waking up to the importance of character for individual and wider societal flourishing. Harrison is at the forefront of this movement and is regularly invited to advise policymakers and thousand of teachers and parents around the world. This book is a must-read for parents and educators who want to help children not just survive but thrive online in their cyber-worlds.
Thriving with Microbes: The Unseen Intelligence Within and Around Us (Alice in Futureland)
by Sputnik FuturesFrom the remarkable minds of Sputnik Futures, this visually engaging exploration of the microbes that surround us and how these unseen powerhouses are shaping our future is perfect for readers of I Contain Multitudes and 10% Human.Let&’s face it, microbes rule the world! Bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, algae, even viruses—these microorganisms may go unseen, but the impact they have on our lives is unmistakable. From panspermia (the bacteria dust from our galaxy) and the microbiomes of our homes and our environments, to emerging research on microbes&’ role in our social emotions of love and empathy, and the realization that we are a superorganism, made up of trillions of bacteria that may be what makes us &“human,&” the authors take you through a fascinating revelation of how microbial populations play a crucial role in every aspect of our life. Breakthroughs in our understanding of microbes are shaping the frontier of medicine and health, technology, environmentalism, wellness, architecture, and more. Microbes are talking to us, and we are learning to speak to them in turn. For example, did you know: -That the mind and the gut talk to each other? -That your personality may be shaped by your microbiome? -That a lack of biodiversity can make you sick? -That microbes can reverse climate change and reduce plastic waste? -That our first microbes came from the universe, and we are taking our microorganisms back to space? In Thriving with Microbes, the brilliant minds of Sputnik Futures reveal cutting-edge discoveries from biologists, doctors, ecologists, technologists, and thought leaders as they explore the vast network of microorganisms around and within us. With expert voices, bold discoveries, and engaging visuals, this captivating addition to the Alice in Futureland® series is a must-read guide to the vibrant microbial world we inhabit, how it is shaping our individuality, and the miraculous future these microorganisms are showing us.
Thriving with Stone Age Minds: Evolutionary Psychology, Christian Faith, and the Quest for Human Flourishing (BioLogos Books on Science and Christianity)
by Justin L. BarrettWhat does God's creation of humanity through the process of evolution mean for human flourishing? The emerging field of evolutionary psychology remains controversial, perhaps especially among Christians. Yet according to Justin Barrett and Pamela Ebstyne King it can be a powerful tool for understanding human nature and our distinctively human purpose. Thriving with Stone Age Minds provides an introduction to evolutionary psychology, explaining key concepts like hyper-sociality, information gathering, and self-control. Combining insights from evolutionary psychology with resources from the Bible and Christian theology, Barrett and King focus fresh attention on the question, What is human flourishing? When we understand how humans still bear the marks of our evolutionary past, new light shines on some of the most puzzling features of our minds, relationships, and behaviors. One key insight of evolutionary psychology is how humans both adapt to and then alter our environments, or "niches." In fact, we change our world faster than our minds can adapt—and then gaps in our "fitness" emerge. In effect, humans are now attempting to thrive in modern contexts with Stone Age minds. By integrating scientific evidence with wisdom from theological anthropology, we can learn to close up nature-niche gaps and thrive, becoming more what God has created us to be.
Thrombin
by Nikos E. Tsopanoglou Michael E. MaragoudakisIn addition to its central role in blood coagulation, it has become increasingly apparent that thrombin and thrombin receptors are involved in many other physiological processes and can contribute to a variety of disease states such as tumor progression and metastasis, inflammation, neurological disorders and cardiovascular complications. This book is a collection of reviews of up-to-date information on the above topics by leaders in these fields. This book will be of value to researchers and academic professionals both in basic and clinical science who are interested in the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, pharmacology, cancer, inflammation, angiogenesis, cardiovascular system and neuronal system. These areas of research are prime target areas for drug development by many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Through a Window: My Thirty Years with the Chimpanzees of Gombe
by Jane GoodallThe renowned British primatologist continues the &“engrossing account&” of her time among the chimpanzees of Gombe, Tanzania (Publishers Weekly). In her classic, In the Shadow of Man, Jane Goodall wrote of her first ten years at Gombe. In Through a Window she continues the story, painting a more complete and vivid portrait of our closest relatives. On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe is a community where the principal residents are chimpanzees. Through Goodall&’s eyes we watch young Figan&’s relentless rise to power and old Mike&’s crushing defeat. We learn how one mother rears her children to succeed and another dooms hers to failure. We witness horrifying murders, touching moments of affection, joyous births, and wrenching deaths. As Goodall compellingly tells the story of this intimately intertwined community, we are shown human emotions stripped to their essence. In the mirror of chimpanzee life, we see ourselves reflected. &“A humbling and exalting book . . . Ranks with the great scientific achievements of the twentieth century.&” —The Washington Post &“[An] absolutely smashing account . . . Thrilling, affectionate, intelligent—a classic.&” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Through Silicon Vias: Materials, Models, Design, and Performance
by Brajesh Kumar Kaushik Vobulapuram Ramesh Kumar Manoj Kumar Majumder Arsalan AlamRecent advances in semiconductor technology offer vertical interconnect access (via) that extend through silicon, popularly known as through silicon via (TSV). This book provides a comprehensive review of the theory behind TSVs while covering most recent advancements in materials, models and designs. Furthermore, depending on the geometry and physical configurations, different electrical equivalent models for Cu, carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoribbon (GNR) based TSVs are presented. Based on the electrical equivalent models the performance comparison among the Cu, CNT and GNR based TSVs are also discussed.
Through the Animal Kingdom: Discover Amazing Animals and Their Remarkable Homes (Journey Through)
by Derek HarveyAn amazing adventure of animal discoveryThirteen extraordinary habitats to explore.Thirteen unforgettable stories.Go on a journey that spans every corner of our planet. What do freezing mountain peaks, vast deserts, lush forests, and the deepest, darkest oceans have in common? They're all places that incredible animals call home.Through the Animal Kingdom invites you on a journey through these habitats to discover the secret lives of the animals that live there. Track a bald eagle as it soars majestically over the Rocky Mountains, follow migrating wildebeests across the Serengeti as they attempt a dangerous river crossing under the watchful eyes of hungry predators, or trace the tracks of the solitary amur leopard - the rarest cat on Earth - as it silently stalks its prey through the icy forests of the Siberian wilderness. Through the Animal Kingdom is the first installment in a new series aiming to reinvent early reference for a new generation of reader, and is perfect for adventurous animal lovers anywhere.
Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission
by Jonathan H. Ward Col. Eileen M. Collins UsafThe long-awaited memoir of a trailblazer and role model who is telling her story for the first time. <p><p> Eileen Collins was an aviation pioneer her entire career, from her crowning achievements as the first woman to command an American space mission as well as the first to pilot the space shuttle to her early years as one of the Air Force's first female pilots. She was in the first class of women to earn pilot's wings at Vance Air Force Base and was their first female instructor pilot. She was only the second woman pilot admitted to the Air Force's elite Test Pilot Program at Edwards Air Force Base. NASA had such confidence in her skills as a leader and pilot that she was entrusted to command the first shuttle mission after the Columbia disaster, returning the US to spaceflight after a two-year hiatus. Since retiring from the Air Force and NASA, she has served on numerous corporate boards and is an inspirational speaker about space exploration and leadership. <p><p> Eileen Collins is among the most recognized and admired women in the world, yet this is the first time she has told her story in a book. It is a story not only of achievement and overcoming obstacles but of profound personal transformation. The shy, quiet child of an alcoholic father and struggling single mother, who grew up in modest circumstances and was an unremarkable student, she had few prospects when she graduated from high school, but she changed her life to pursue her secret dream of becoming an astronaut. She shares her leadership and life lessons throughout the book with the aim of inspiring and passing on her legacy to a new generation.