Available to book
Leland Melvin
Transform STEM education and leadership with Leland Melvin, speaker and former NASA astronaut. Leland works with organizations to inspire resilience and innovation, delivering powerful insights from his unique journey from NFL player to space explorer.
Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, and former NASA astronaut, whose diverse career path has taken him from the football fields of the NFL to the vastness of space. As a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Leland played a crucial role in constructing the International Space Station during missions STS-122 and STS-129. His unique journey is marked by resilience and adaptability, making him a compelling figure in science and education. Before his time at NASA, Leland was drafted by the Detroit Lions, making him the only person drafted into the NFL and flown in space. The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized his athletic and academic achievements, honoring him by displaying his Detroit Lions jersey. Leland's transition from professional sports to space exploration exemplifies his ability to overcome challenges and embrace new opportunities. Leland's academic background is rooted in science, with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Richmond and a Master’s degree in materials science engineering from the University of Virginia. His work at NASA Langley Research Center involved developing optical fiber sensors for aerospace vehicles, contributing to numerous scientific publications. After retiring from space missions, Leland led NASA's Education division and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEAM Education Task Force, shaping the nation’s STEM education strategy. In addition to his technical expertise, Leland is a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. He holds five honorary doctorates in recognition of his contributions to education, science, and philanthropy. His memoir, "Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances," offers insights into his life journey and the values that have guided him. Leland's experiences have also been shared through various media appearances, including National Geographic's "One Strange Rock" and as a guest judge on "Top Chef." His story of perseverance and excellence continues to inspire future generations to explore careers in STEM fields.
Topics, sessions and talks
Leland Melvin, a former tennis ace, cross-country traveller, chemistry enthusiast, and NFL draftee, found his ultimate calling as an astronaut. He shares his journey of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities, which eventually led him to the International Space Station. Attendees will learn about the transformative experiences that shaped his unique perspective on life on Earth.
As an astronaut, engineer, and former professional athlete, Leland Melvin understands high-stakes teamwork and problem-solving. Drawing from his experiences aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis and NASA’s mission control, he shares insights on collaboration, crisis management, and leadership in extreme environments. His perspective on innovation and adaptability offers valuable takeaways for organisations looking to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and build resilient teams.
Testimonials
Featured Projects
often considered together
Suzie Imber
Science
Innovation
Climate Change
Helen Sharman
Science
Team Building
Effective Leadership
Maggie Aderin
Adversity
Neurodiversity
Diversity and Inclusion
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
To book Leland Melvin, email leland.melvin@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Leland's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
Get the right person
Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.
