The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is proud to announce that Coleman Goulding, a junior in mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE), will be speaking at this year’s TEDxMissouriS&T event on October 30th, 2024. Goulding’s talk, titled “Beyond Limits: Space Age Insights for Life,” will take the audience on a journey through the development of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and reveal the life lessons embedded in its incredible story.
Goulding is on track to complete an accelerated M.S. in aerospace engineering by Spring 2027. His impressive list of achievements already includes work on the Missouri S&T Mars Rover Design Team, serving as a fabrication shop supervisor on campus, and holding the position of Co-Chief Engineer for the Missouri S&T Satellite Research Team. His leadership extends to Residential Life, where he serves as a Senior Resident Assistant.
In 2023, he delivered the keynote address at the prestigious 66th Annual Goddard Memorial Dinner, captivating an audience of over 2,000 members of the space community with his vision for the future of space travel.
Goulding’s TEDx talk will discuss the telescope’s path from a visionary concept to its eventual launch and operation, recounting the challenges, failures, and triumphs that defined the JWST mission. Through this lens, he will offer insights on how college students—like himself and his peers—can apply these lessons to their own lives. His message focuses on the importance of dreaming ambitiously, embracing failure, and boldly exploring the unknown. At the heart of his speech is a powerful takeaway: human connection strengthens each of these qualities, making it possible to overcome obstacles and achieve meaningful success.
The TEDxMissouriS&T event, part of the globally recognized TEDx program, will bring together speakers from various disciplines to share thought-provoking ideas with the local and university community.
About TEDxMissouriS&T:
TEDxMissouriS&T is an independently organized TED event held annually at Missouri S&T. The event aims to foster learning, inspire innovation, and spark conversation through short, powerful talks centered around the theme of “Ideas Worth Spreading.” For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.tedxmst.com/.
2024 Event Details:
- Date: October 30, 2024
- Reception begins at 5p.m. in Leach auditorium – Enjoy delicious catering by Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant
- Show starts at 6p.m. in Leach Theatre
- Intermission at 7p.m. – Gourmet cookies by Ozark Farms
- Dinner and theater: $10 student and $15 general admission