President’s Lecture Series

President's Lecture Series presents:

Astro Teller

Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.
Shell Auditorium, McNair Hall

Astro Teller is a leading American scientist, inventor, entrepreneur and author known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As the “Captain of Moonshots” at X, the Moonshot Factory, he leads teams on a mission to invent and launch breakthrough technologies that tackle some of humanity’s toughest challenges. Before joining X, Teller founded and grew several technology companies. He holds numerous U.S. and international patents in both hardware and software and has authored three books exploring the intersections of science, creativity and the human spirit. A former Stanford University lecturer and a sought-after global speaker, Teller inspires audiences worldwide to dream bigger and take smarter risks in pursuit of a better future.

After introductory remarks, Astro Teller will join Rice alumnus Andy Karsner '89, an energy industry leader and an advisor to X and the Moonshot Factory, in a panel discussion about: “Why We Still Choose to Go to the Moon: Innovation for Today’s Challenges.” President Reginald DesRoches will moderate the discussion.

The President’s Lecture Series brings to the Rice University campus a variety of stimulating speakers on a range of topics. Rice is pleased to offer the PLS as a means of enhancing the intellectual life not only of the Rice community, but of our neighbors throughout the city of Houston. The President's Lectures Series is sponsored by the Office of the President and supported by the J. Newton Rayzor Lecture Fund.

Admission to all lectures is free of charge.

The President's Lecture Series welcomes nominations for possible future speakers by emailing president@rice.edu. We aim to present lectures that represent varied fields and experiences and have historically presented exemplars in the fields of "letters, science and art." For example, winners of Oscar, Emmy and Grammy awards and the Nobel, Pulitzer and other major prizes; alumni achievers and other leaders; those at the vanguard of public service and social justice; entrepreneurs and engineers; authors and architects, actors and astronauts. You can watch some of our past speakers here. If you have a suggestion, please share it with us. Individuals with personal connections to proposed speakers are especially encouraged to submit nominations.