Lisa Lucas Nicely is the esteemed author of “OHIO: Cradle of Astronauts
How 26 Buckeyes Blazed a Trail for Life OFF Earth,” a riveting book
that delves into the extraordinary lives of the Ohio-born astronauts who
have significantly shaped the space age. This compelling work narrates
the individual stories of these 26 Ohioans, detailing their careers, lives,
honors, and tragedies.
Through Nicely’s vivid storytelling, readers gain
an understanding of how these men and women’s remarkable journeys
have not only contributed to space exploration but have also brought
immense pride and honor to Ohio, proving that its sons and daughters
were pivotal in inventing the space age.
Lisa Lucas Nicely is an award-winning journalist who has dedicated
decades to reporting on a diverse array of topics in Ohio. Honored as
the best reporter in the state by the Ohio Society of Professional
Journalists, she has also received numerous Associated Press and
Society of Professional Journalism Awards for her work on social
issues, investigative pieces, and political reporting. A proud graduate of Kent State University’s School of Journalism and Mass
Communications, Lucas Nicely’s fascination with space was ignited in
her youth.
She was an ardent fan of science fiction books, TV shows
like Star Trek, and movies such as Star Wars. This interest took a
practical turn when she attended Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala.,
where she trained as a mission specialist in orbit simulations.
In 1992, at the Ohio 4-H Congress, Lucas Nicely had a memorable encounter
with Senator John Glenn. She seized the opportunity to ask him a
poignant question: “What’s it like for you to look yourself up in the
encyclopedia?” Glenn’s admission of never having done so left her
both amused and intrigued. Today, Lisa Nicely continues her passion
for storytelling as a freelance writer for various entities and
publications, residing in Defiance, Ohio. Her book stands as a
testament to her lifelong interest in space and her commitment to
shedding light on the significant contributions of Ohio’s astronauts.
