LEWISTON — Among Lewiston and Auburn’s many professional success stories, Ken Hodgkins’ journey from sheep farming in Auburn to serving in the United Nations stands out.

On May 19 at 12:30 p.m., he will join Museum L-A as a featured presenter at the Maine Innovation Expo.

The Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bates Mill Atrium, 35 Canal St.

Hodgkins is director of the Office of Space and Advanced Technology in the U. S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science. He also serves as the U.S. representative to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. He is a member elect of the International Academy of Astronautics and the International Institute of Space Law.

Hodgkins will share the story of how he ended up in his current position and the the latest efforts in international space collaboration, including the Global Positioning Satellite system, orbital debris, and the use of nuclear power sources in space.

“Bringing back and showcasing our own accomplished creative and innovative stars to remind us of how great a people we are is one of the new initiatives being launched at Museum L-A”, Rachel Desgrosseilliers, executive director, said.

The Expo will have a full space section, including an award-winning student-created documentary and exhibit from Maine’s 2018 National History Day state competition.

To further celebrate the legacy of Mainers on space, the Margaret Chase Smith Library will share the story of U. S. Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, who, in addition to being the first woman to be elected to both houses of Congress, served on the Senate Space and Aeronautic Science Committee which funded the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs that eventually put man on the moon.

For more information, please contact info@museumla.org or call 207-333-3881.