NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, a Harvard-trained doctor and Navy SEAL veteran, will speak at the annual Harvard Alumni Day on June 5.
University President Alan M. Garber praised Kim, saying, “He has dedicated his life to serving others. His experiences, from the battlefield to the stars, reflect a commitment to making the world a better place.”
In 2025, Kim spent eight months on the International Space Station. He served as a flight engineer, conducting various experiments and demonstrations aimed at benefiting life on Earth and supporting NASA’s Artemis program. This ambitious initiative aims to return humans to the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars. During his time in space, Kim orbited Earth 3,920 times and traveled nearly 104 million miles.
Kim’s journey is remarkable, especially considering his tough upbringing in Los Angeles as the son of South Korean immigrants. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served in SEAL Team 3. He participated in over 100 combat operations, earning Silver and Bronze Stars for his bravery and medical support in Iraq.
His military service not only tested his limits but also sparked his interest in medicine. Thanks to the Navy’s program, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of San Diego in 2012. At Harvard Medical School, he met astronaut Scott Parazynski, who inspired him to apply to NASA. In 2017, Kim was selected as one of 12 candidates out of over 18,000 applicants, while he was in a residency program at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Now, as a lieutenant commander in the Navy, Kim holds dual roles as a naval aviator and flight surgeon, a distinction he earned in 2023. He credits his family, mentors, and his Harvard community for his achievements.
This year’s Alumni Day will allow all alumni to participate in person or online. For more details, visit alumni.harvard.edu/alumni-day.
Jonny Kim’s story is not just about triumph. It’s a reminder of resilience, service, and the pursuit of excellence.
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Alumni,Awards & Honors,Space & Astronomy
