MADISON, Wis. — It's been 20 years since the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. The shuttle broke apart over Texas, as it reentered Earth's atmosphere on Feb. 1, 2003.
Seven crew members lost their lives, including astronaut Laurel Clark who grew up in Racine, Wis. She graduated from Racine Horlick High School in 1979. Clark then went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she got her Bachelor of Science degree in zoology, followed by a doctorate in medicine in 1987.
Clark spent time as a Naval submarine medical officer and a group flight surgeon for the Marines.
Sarah Schutt, executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association, said Clark also became hooked on space travel.
"I think anybody who is in the scientific world is wondering what is going on outside of our Earth and just from what I understand of her and her history, just that curiosity in wanting to explore other worlds and explore how the science we know can translate into space exploration," Schutt said.
According to UW-Madison, Clark's first, and last, assignment as an astronaut was on Space Shuttle Columbia. The crew conducted about 80 experiements. Clark was studying gravity and its effect on humans. Additionally, she gardened in space to study gene transfer in plants.
Her life, and loss, have been an inspiration for those following in her footsteps. UW-Madison continues to honor her memory with a scholarship. It was established after her death by the then-dean of the university's medical school.
Her legacy is also celebrated in the Wisconsin Alumni Association's Alumni Park. The park is located between Memorial Union and the Red Gym on the UW-Madison campus. It's open year round.
"We tell the story of the university by highlighting stories of our alumni. She, of course, is a person who exemplifies the Wisconsin idea," Schutt said.
Watch the full interview with Schutt above.