Dr. Shawna Pandya – Canada's First Named Female Commercial Astronaut & Space Medicine Pioneer

Meet Dr. Shawna Pandya, Canada's first named female commercial astronaut and a leading figure in space medicine. From emergency medicine to aquanaut missions and suborbital research flights, Shawna has trained to thrive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth—and soon, in space.

In this episode, she shares her journey from a childhood inspired by Dr. Roberta Bondar, through neuroscience and medical training, to testing spacesuits in zero gravity and completing multiple NEPTUNE aquanaut missions. 

We dive into:

• The challenges of spaceflight on the body and mind
• The "RIDGE" framework Radiation, Isolation, Distance, Gravity, Environment
• Using emergency medicine, diving, and piloting to build operational readiness
• Maintaining balance, avoiding burnout, and living a life aligned with values
• Preparing for her upcoming flight with Virgin Galactic

Shawna's story is a masterclass in perseverance, curiosity, and aiming for the stars—literally.

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Show notes

• Who is Shawna 
• Being Canada's first named female Astronaut 
• Her early years and growing up in the 90s
• Wanting to be an Astronaut since she was a child and being inspired by Dr. Roberta Bondar
• Simplifying things 
• Wanting to follow in her footsteps 
• Doing a neuroscience degree
• The influence of her parents 
• Girl Guides of Canada 
• Doing outdoor education during junior high and building her spirit of adventure 
• Inheriting her work ethic from her parents - thinking the normal work day was from 7am to 10pm
• Sharing her goal and telling people what she wanted to achieve 
• Taking a family trip to Australia at 12 years old and being obsessed with the Southern Night Sky 
• Not knowing if it will work out or not - Having to love the grind and the journey 
• Keeping focused on the goal 
• Not letting other people opinions stop her 
• Her parents wanting her to have a realistic career ambition 
• The roadmap included medicine 
• After doing her undergrad in neuroscience and applying for medical school
• Having a back up plan - just in case 
• International Space University - Masters Program 
• Asking medical school for a deferral 
• Doing an internship at the European Space Agency European Space Centre and making a meaningful contribution to space medic