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.
Lewis, François
Where were you born?
Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada
Where do you currently live?
Brossard, Quebec, Canada
Education
- Ph.D., materials and metallurgical engineering – Laval University
- Ph.D., process and high-tech engineering – Pierre and Marie Curie University
Photo of the astronaut candidate during the aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)
What is your current job?
Project manager, Teledyne DALSA - At Teledyne DALSA, I am responsible for completing development and production projects of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). These innovative products have a variety of applications and continually push the limits of material properties, manufacturing processes and technologies. Often, we have to develop new product-specific technologies while respecting changes in specifications and timelines in order to launch the product into technology markets at the right time.
Why do you want to become an astronaut?
Ever since I was a child, space exploration has filled me with wonder at the greatness of nature and space. The technologies required to carry out these incredible exploits often go beyond the imagination. The scientific experiments carried out in spaceships and on the Space Station make a difference in society and everyday life. Representing Canada as a space explorer and performing innovative scientific experiments gives me an enormous sense of pride that I would like to share with everyone.