Astronaut candidate's profile
The candidates participating in the astronaut selection process all have unique journeys and outstanding qualities and skills. You can read their remarkable profiles here.
Dickson, Brendan Craig
Where were you born?
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Where do you currently live?
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Education
- Bachelor's, biology and microbiology/immunology – Dalhousie University
- Bachelor's, psychology – Dalhousie University
- Master's, experimental pathology – Dalhousie University
- Doctorate, medicine – University of Toronto
- Residency, anatomic pathology – University of Toronto
- Fellowship, soft tissue and bone pathology – University of Pennsylvania
Photo of the astronaut candidate during the aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)
What is your current job?
Clinician-Scientist - I am a physician specializing in pathology. Much of my work involves examining patient samples, such as biopsies, under a microscope to accurately diagnose disease. My practice is highly sub-specialized, focusing mainly on diseases of bone and soft tissue. My research is likewise centred in this area, where I use state-of-the-art immunohistochemical and molecular biology techniques to develop novel ways to diagnose, prognose and potentially treat diseases of bone and soft tissue.
Why do you want to become an astronaut?
Few jobs rival the excitement of being an astronaut – there are unprecedented opportunities for learning, exploration, and advancing the boundaries of knowledge. As a clinician-scientist specializing in bone and soft tissue pathology, I would hope to contribute towards researching issues related to bone and muscle health in microgravity. I would also look forward to the chance to collaborate with a diverse team of experts on many other important topics, and to push myself mentally and physically in preparation for missions. In addition, being an astronaut offers a privileged opportunity to engage and educate learners, young and old, on this exciting topic.