Stars of Tomorrow: A Celebration of Student Creativity

This year’s Da Vinci Science Center Science Soirée, A Night of Many Stars, will honor Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor—astronaut, artist, scientist, and visionary—with the Pioneer in Science & Creativity Award.  

Dr. Proctor made history on Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital spaceflight mission. She is the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, orbiting our planet in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as part of the Inspiration4 mission. Her call sign, “Leo,” connects her journey to both the stars above and the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci, whose fusion of art and science continues to inspire innovation centuries later.  

Her motto, “Space2Inspire,” encourages us all to use our unique gifts to make the world—and beyond—a better place. Watch Dr. Proctor’s short video called Earthlight by Astronaut.   

Now we’re inviting students to explore their own Space2Inspire as part of this year’s Night of Many Stars. Winners will have their art showcased at this year’s Science Soiree and will meet Dr. Proctor.

Art by Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor