Col. Thomas Akers, Math’73, MS Math’75, has logged more than 800 hours of space flight and 29 hours of space-walking experience. He was selected for NASA’s astronaut program after joining the Air Force and was a mission specialist on four space flights – including on the Discovery, Endeavour and Atlantis. Following his career in the Air Force, Akers returned to his alma mater and taught math at S&T for 11 years before retiring in 2010.
Akers earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, both in mathematics, from S&T in 1973 and 1975, respectively.
Share This Story
Spark a Memory?
Share your story! Fill out the form below to share your fondest memory or anecdote of S&T. If you'd prefer not typing, you can also share by phone at 833-646-3715 (833-Miner150).
Using glass to treat cancer
An expert in developing specialty glasses for use in health care, transportation infrastructure and other applications, Delbert Day is known…
Brandi (Andersen) and Patrick VerSteeg
Brandi (Andersen) and Patrick VerSteeg met during Opening Week in 2006. “My roommate and I knew Patrick’s roommate from Jackling…
Setting new trends
Tamiko Youngblood, MinE’92, MS EMgt’94, PhD EMgt’97, was a woman of many “firsts.” She was the first African American woman…
The sun’s on their side
In 1999, the Missouri S&T Solar Car Team took first place in Sunrayce, now known as the American Solar Challenge….
Leading Peru’s higher education
After earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from S&T in 1980, Mariana Rodriguez returned to her native Peru to…
Football, a history
The first game in Miner football history was played on Nov. 20, 1893, and the first Miner touchdown wasn’t scored…