So, for the past 35+ years Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols has been heavily involved with NASA's public relations department. From recruiting astronauts and public speaking, to singing at the Kennedy Space Center, Nichelle has done her fair share for the space program. Tomorrow night (April 16th), the lovely lieutenant will host the finals for Nasa's FameLab Astrobiology contest, live via NasaTV and streaming on the web.

The FameLab contest is intended to encourage up-and-coming new scientists to hone their skills in communicating complex scientific concepts. Finalists have three minutes to explain a science topic of their choice to a public audience, using only props they can carry onstage. A panel of science and science communication experts will judge the competition.

Since January, more than 70 early-career astrobiologists have competed in FameLab preliminary competitions in Houston, Denver and Washington. FameLab Astrobiology is an offshoot of International FameLab. It is the first competition in North America. The winner in Atlanta will compete in the International FameLab final competition in the United Kingdom this summer.

You can watch the event tomorrow evening (April 16th) from 7-9 p.m. EDT, live from the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta via Ustream here.

You can also check out the event on NasaTV on both the public & educational changes. Visit the official website here for more information.

(source PRNewswire)