Ion District

Nuclear’s Next Chapter: A Conversation with Maria Korsnick, President & CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute
2025-06-12 07:30 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us at the Ion for a timely and thought-provoking fireside chat featuring Maria Korsnick, President & CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), in a conversation with Maynard Holt, Founder & CEO of Veriten.
As the world confronts the challenges of meeting growing energy demands and reducing carbon emissions, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a critical solution. In this conversation, Maria will share her perspective on the evolving role of nuclear power in the global energy mix, the innovations shaping the future and how policy and partnerships are driving momentum.
Expect insights on:

How new technologies are making nuclear lower cost and lower risk
The impact of state and federal policy on industry growth
Trends in customer demand and public perception
The role of government incentives and policy in the industry
The impact and mission of the Nuclear Energy Institute

Whether you’re an energy leader, policymaker, technologist or student, this session will offer a front-row view into the future of nuclear and why it matters. Come early for breakfast and networking.

June Transition On Tap at Greentown Labs: New Member Spotlight
2025-06-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Greentown Labs, 4200 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Several startups have joined the Greentown Labs community so far over the past year, working on climate solutions across the agriculture, buildings, manufacturing, electricity, and resiliency + adaptation sectors.
Greentown Labs is thrilled to support these groundbreaking startups—now, let them introduce you! Join them at their June Transition On Tap to hear lightning pitches from some of the newest members of our community and network with entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, philanthropists, students, and other climate champions passionate about innovations in climatetech and the energy transition.

React HTX Meetup at Nexus
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Rice Nexus, 4201 Main St - Suite 175, Houston, TX, 77002
React Current Events – Get updated with the latest changes to the React UI Framework for 2025
At this month’s meeting, React HTX will be stepping into the new year by exploring many of the cutting-edge developments in the React world, including:

the long-awaited official release of React 19,
version updates to beloved libraries like Next.js and React Router,
the beta release of the highly anticipated TanStack Start,
and more!

Each topic will be covered in a beginner-friendly and collaborative manner, providing context into their purpose and significance within the current React ecosystem and opening the discussion to any questions and insights. Audience participation is highly encouraged and welcomed! We also recommend bringing a laptop to help follow along with any articles or documentation covered.
The meeting will conclude with some exciting announcements from the React HTX team for 2025.
Join us in the Ion Prototyping Lab on the second Thursday of every month to meet other like-minded individuals in the React developer community. This is a great opportunity to grow your networking circle, participate in code-along challenges, and get involved in discussions about the React UI Framework and its ecosystem.
ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned React developer or just getting started. We do our best at covering a variety of topics within the all-encompassing React environment.

Out in Tech Houston Monthly Mixer
2025-06-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-in-tech-houston-monthly-mixer-tickets-1269518547149
Out in Tech Houston is the local chapter for Out in Tech, the world’s largest non-profit community of LGBTQ+ tech leaders. Out in Tech creates opportunities for our 50,000 members to advance their careers, grow their networks, and leverage tech for social change.
As with the other 30+ chapters around the world, Out in Tech Houston provides an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people and allies working in the technology industry to engage, network, and learn.
About this Event
Join our relaxed, social-mixer event, hosted on the second Thursday of every month. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
This is the first time we are hosting our monthly mixer at The Ion, and we hope to have many more. RSVP and save the date in your calendars for an evening you cannot miss!
For more information, contact houston@outintech.com.

Thriving in the Age of Outrage: Leadership in the Algorithm Era
2025-06-13 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thriving-in-the-age-of-outrage-leadership-in-the-algorithm-era-tickets-1382862201069
Join Impact Hub at the Social Media Breakfast and learn how to maximize the power of social media for your business! Expand your reach, connect with your audience, and boost your brand’s online presence. Don’t miss out! http://smbhou.com/

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
2025-06-13 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-20 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-27 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community.
So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it!
At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together.
The future is only a cup away.
Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/

TXRX Office Hours
2025-06-13 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-20 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-06-27 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
TXRX is Houston’s non-profit makerspace.

Join the Ion’s Engineer-in-Residence, Larry Ciscon, for TXRX Office Hours every Friday at the Ion.
TXRX has a diverse network of creators, artist, and inventors coupled with tools and knowledge, enable dreams to become reality.
They teach people of all ages and backgrounds the skills they need to build a future full of novelty and inspiration.

For more information about TXRX – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! TXRX offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

Mapping Houston's Ecosystem
2025-06-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Ion – Conference Room 027, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002
Facilitated by Wade Pinder, Ion’s Mentor in Residence
Houston’s startup and innovation ecosystem is as vast and dynamic as the city itself, full of opportunities, resources, and talent. Yet, navigating it can be challenging—especially for those unfamiliar with its many parts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, educator, student, community leader or curious professional, this session will offer valuable insights into how Houston’s innovation ecosystem works and how you can find your place within it.
Discover the Houston Ecosystem’s Flow
Facilitated by Wade Pinder, the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, this session will help participants map out the journey needed to take an idea from concept to a mature company. Wade brings years of experience in product management, community building, and mentoring entrepreneurs to the table, offering a thoughtful and informed perspective to guide this exploration.
The heart of the session lies in exploring a dynamic mind map that Wade has created and continues to refine—an ever-evolving, community-driven tool that grows alongside Houston’s innovation ecosystem. Attendees will not only learn about the ecosystem’s flow but also have the opportunity to contribute to it by identifying gaps, sharing knowledge, and adding their insights.
This session will center on the stages of a company’s growth journey, exploring the essential elements that drive it forward. Participants will examine the role of financial capital, from early fundraising efforts to securing the resources needed for scaling, and how these milestones align with a company’s progression. The discussion will also delve into the human element of growing a business, highlighting the evolving talent and expertise required to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, we’ll explore the importance of “social capital”—the networks, support systems, and relationships that play a critical role in moving ideas to market and sustaining long-term growth.
Ion’s Vision
Helping the community better understand the local ecosystem reflects the Ion’s commitment “to being the home for Houston’s innovation community.” By fostering connections, creating opportunities, and sharing perspectives, the Ion is building a transformative culture that strengthens Houston’s economic resiliency and celebrates the entrepreneurial journey.
From forming an initial entrepreneurial idea to the prototyping phase to scaling a business, this Houston Ecosystem Mapping session aligns with the Ion’s goals to support innovation, attract talent, and build a vibrant ecosystem.
Who Should Attend?
This session is ideal for:

Entrepreneurs looking to understand greater Houston’s resources.
Investors curious about the local startup landscape.
Professionals and students wanting to connect with the innovation community.
Anyone passionate about Houston’s growth as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Innovators who have recently moved to greater Houston and are looking to get “plugged in” to the local scene.
Community leaders and service providers that support (or want to support) the innovation ecosystem.

Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00am
📍 Location: The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX
Register today for this chance to explore Houston’s ecosystem, uncover its flow, and help shape its future.

SCORE + LSA Global Office Hours
2025-06-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)

Ion Family STEAM Day: Toy Egg Genetics!
2025-06-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join STEAM on Demand, Texas Heart Institute, and Girl Scouts of San Jacinto for a hands-on family-friendly STEAM workshop. In this lesson, students will explore genetics, dominant and recessive traits, and how traits are passed down from parents to offspring. Using a fun toy egg experiment, they’ll predict genetic outcomes with Punnett squares and see how traits are inherited in a hands-on way.
Through hands-on construction led by the STEAM on Demand platform, students will discover the science behind why we look the way we do!
Special Guest Speaker:
Dr. Heather Pemberton
Dr. Heather Pemberton is a dedicated non-invasive cardiologist at The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care with a special interest in valvular heart disease, primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, cardiometabolic syndrome, heart failure and women’s cardiovascular health. Board Certified in Cardiovascular Medicine, Internal Medicine and Echocardiography, Dr. Pemberton excels in performing transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiograms, direct current cardioversions, cardiac PET and SPECTs, and exercise treadmill testing.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Pemberton develops and engages in community outreach programs focused on promoting healthy diet, exercise, and establishing individualized healthy lifestyle strategies. She also dedicates her time to educating future physicians as a cardiology preceptor for family and internal medicine residents and The Texas Heart Institute Cardiovascular Disease Training Program at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Dr. Pemberton is passionate about preventative medicine, cardiometabolic health, and heart care during and after pregnancy. Prior to joining The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care, she worked in North Carolina at Cone Health Medical Center, where she was the co-founder of the Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic and co-chair of the Annual Women’s Heart Symposium.
Dr. Pemberton earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine Residency Training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. She then pursued a General Cardiology Fellowship at The Texas Heart Institute, where she served as Chief Cardiology Fellow. Dr. Pemberton also gained research experience as a Research Scientist/Engineer at the University of Washington, where she focused on studying the impact of histone deacetylase inhibitors and stem cell transplantation on ischemic injury in animal models.
Throughout her career, Dr. Pemberton has received numerous awards and honors, including being a Poster Session Winner at the Massachusetts American College of Physicians Annual Scientific Meeting and receiving the prestigious Milton Corn, MD Award from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She is a member of the Junior Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Washington.
With her expertise, compassion, and commitment to excellence, Dr. Heather Pemberton is a valued member of the healthcare community.
This event will be tailored for 7-14-year-olds and their families for a fun STEAM experience! We look forward to building and learning with you!

BLD PWR Co-hosted with Black at Microsoft (BAM): Build Power - Day 1
2025-06-18 15:00 - 20:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/bld-pwr-presents-build-power-day-x-juneteenth-2025
Co-hosted with Black at Microsoft (BAM) – Join BLD PWR in Houston this Juneteenth for a two-day cultural takeover powered by Kendrick Sampson’s BLD PWR and The Session R&B Jam.
Get ready to shake something, sing something, and celebrate Black joy in full force. Whether you’re here for the open mic, the soul food, or the karaoke smoke… BLD PWR’s got you.
This is where liberation meets the mic and culture hits the stage.
This is a kid-friendly event—all ages are welcome! Kids 13 and under get in free!
TWO-DAY OVERVIEW
Wednesday, June 18 – BLD PWR DAY

Block Party @ The Ion – Vendors, food trucks, open-air vibes, performance by 803Fresh (“Where Them Fans At”)
Film Screening + Real Talk Town Hall – with SisterSong and Road to Essence

Thursday, June 19 – JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Block Party @ The Ion – Live DJs, more Black-owned brilliance
Film Screening + Creative Activations – Community storytelling on the big screen and live

Perfecting Your Pitch
2025-06-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 028, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a visionary startup owner, or a tech aficionado, this event is tailor-made for you. Join us and discover the indispensable value of a compelling pitch deck.
About the Speakers
Dr. Doug Franklin
“Dr. Doug” is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeckLaunch and the COO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. He has fifteen years of management, marketing, and operations experience, including opportunities with iconic firms such as Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, and RJ Reynolds. Dr. Franklin is also a leading scholar that has presented at more than a dozen conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Leadership Quarterly and The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Franklin graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas Houston and currently teaches Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods at UST.
Derrell Noris
With more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further.
Nicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr.
Nick is the founder of Egis Project Management LLC, a project management firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for projects in the industries of Construction, Technology, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and as Chief Operations Officer at DeckLaunch LLC. Nicholas considers himself a servant of entrepreneurship because he sees entrepreneurship as a major vehicle to uplift the community.

Angel Investing 101: Sourcing and Vetting Deals
2025-06-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
One of the biggest challenges Angel Investors face is finding frequent and quality investment opportunities. Building a pipeline of opportunities and a network that fosters those opportunities takes time and strategy.
Continuing on our education series of “Angel Investing 101,” Urban Capital Network is delivering their next session, “Sourcing and Vetting.” Whether you’ve made the decision to become an Angel Investor or you’ve already participated in one or more deals, the Urban Capital Network team will provide valuable resources and strategies to help you increase your deal flow to achieve optimal investment opportunities.
During the session, you can expect to learn the following:

How to leverage your expertise and personal brand to create deal flow
How to leverage professional and social groups and organizations to create deal flow
How to collaborate with and build a network of Angel Investors who share deal flow
Understand the difference in deal flow between various investment platforms and organizations

About the speaker
Lenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN), an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston, where he assists business owners with exit planning, value maximization, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises.
Before establishing UCN and his business brokerage, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer, specializing in automation, controls, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls, as well as audit.
Lenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal.

Juneteenth en Blanc at Community Artists' Collective
2025-06-19 12:00 - 17:00 | Community Artists’ Collective, 4111 Fannin, Suite 100A, Houston, TX, 77004
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-artists-collective-juneteenth-en-blanc-tickets-1364596999359
Join the Community Artists’ Collective as they celebrate Juneteenth! Lite bites, music, immersive photo experiences, art making and more! White attire encouraged.

BLD PWR Co-hosted with Black at Microsoft (BAM): Juneteenth 2025 - Day 2
2025-06-19 15:00 - 20:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States

Founders & Funders Happy Hour at Second Draught
2025-06-19 17:30 - 19:30 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://lu.ma/ccw807ow
​Come hang out with the people at Mercury, TiE Houston, Rocket Network, and SWAN!
​​​Founder, investor, operator – you’re all welcome!
Talk tech, startups, VC, or the crazy state of the world! Stop by, have a drink, say hello, and meet some cool people.
​​​​​See you there!
​​​​​​​About the hosts:
​​​​​​​​Mercury is an early-stage venture capital platform that seeks out transformative software startups, led by exceptional founders, in communities across America.
​​Rocket Network is your go-to source for insights and updates for innovation lovers and tech startup professionals.
​​TiE Houston, part of TiE Global, is a nonprofit venture devoted to entrepreneurs in all industries, at all stages, from incubation, throughout the entrepreneurial lifecycle.
​SWAN Impact is an angel network that invests in startup companies from pre-seed to Series A that it believes will yield BOTH positive returns to investors AND positive impact for our world.

SCORE Office Hours
2025-06-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion – Academic Flex Space, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)
Resource tables include:
The Small Business Administration
SCORE
Small Business Development Center

Houston Methodist Leadership Speaker Series
2025-06-24 16:45 - 18:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-methodist-leadership-speaker-series-at-ion-dr-nicholas-desai-tickets-1291589702569
Join the Houston Methodist Tech Hub at Ion for for our leadership speaker series presentation by Dr. Nicholas Desai.
Dr. Nicholas Desai is Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Medical & Quality Officer at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital. He will discuss the genesis of this 105-acre campus which includes the latest innovative technology and the first 100 days of patient care at this new hospital which opened in March 2025.
Agenda:
4:45pm – Arrival & Registration
5:00pm – Presentation by Dr. Desai
5:30pm – Audience Q&A
6:00pm – Event conclude

Ion Bike Club
2025-06-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for a 45-minute guided cruise, suitable for all ages, led by Bike Houston around the expanding Ion District and Midtown neighborhoods. We’ll meet up on the Ion Plaza just outside of Second Draught.
Following the ride, join us inside at Second Draught – participants’ first beer is on the house.

EV Club at Second Draught
2025-06-26 16:30 - 19:00 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ev-club-at-the-ion-tickets-1427790793699?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come join EV Club for an exciting in person event at Second Draught! The EV Club at the Ion is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow electric vehicle enthusiasts, share tips, and learn about the latest advancements in the world of EVs. Whether you’re a seasoned EV owner or just curious about making the switch to electric, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this chance to mingle, network, and geek out about all things electric vehicles. See you there!

NASA Tech Talks: Intelligent Medical Crew Agent (IMCA)
2025-06-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges—and apply your skills and expertise to solve them.
Join us this month as we partner with Houston AI to discuss AI in Space. The Houston AI session will start at 4:00 PM and include a talk on “The Role of AI in Human Spaceflight” and a panel discussion featuring experts in the roles AI will play in the future of Human Space Exploration. RSVP for this portion of the session here.
We will segue into our NASA Tech Talk at 6:00 PM for a demonstration of a NASA developed Intelligent Medical Crew Agent (IMCA) aka “Doc-In-A-Box”. Led by Lui Wang, this project is aimed to accelerate the maturation and flight readiness of an AI-enabled intelligent First Aid Medical kit developed for Earth Independent Medical Operations. This kit combines three AI agents to assist medical and non-medical crewmembers in assessing, diagnosing, and treating ongoing or emergent medical conditions with local computing resources and no remote SME support.
Please join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!

About the Speakers
Lui Wang is a Principal Technical Expert in the Advanced Software Technologies at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. As a pioneer in avionics design, he has developed electronic procedure systems that support human spaceflight. With a tenure at NASA since 1983, Lui holds multiple patents and has spearheaded numerous projects integrating automation and intelligent systems technologies across various human spaceflight programs, from the NASA Space Shuttle to Artemis Gateway program.
Montgomery B. Goforth has more than 40 years of experience as both Engineer and Manager in a variety of highly technical space and defense-related efforts. After working for a small defense contractor specializing in anti-submarine warfare, he joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 1990. He has held leadership positions in multiple JSC Directorates and Program Offices. In his current role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate, he has established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. He has used this framework to guide Engineering’s internal investments and external partnerships supporting Lunar and Mars Exploration. Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas, raised in Southern California and Arizona, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982, MSME 1987).
About NASA Tech Talks
In these presentations, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges, and the associated opportunities, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community. We will continue to identify potential space/terrestrial technologies of interest to Human Spaceflight. Past NASA Tech Talks have included topics such as:

From Space to Startup: Leveraging NASA Technology and Innovation to Propel Your Growing Enterprise
Disruptive Filter Technology for Spacecraft Water Treatment: The New Promise of Graphene
Lunar dust capture using novel multiplexed inertial filter
Lunar Passive Fuel Cell Technologies:
Microbes in Space

NASA Stories at the Ion: A Conversation with NASA Astronaut Tracy C. Dyson
2025-07-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The Ion is proud to present “NASA Stories at the Ion”—a one-of-a-kind morning series spotlighting the human side of space exploration. Each session will feature personal and powerful stories from astronauts and key NASA personnel. From breathtaking missions aboard the International Space Station to unexpected lessons in leadership and teamwork, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at spaceflight, told by the people who’ve lived it.
This speaker series is designed to inspire anyone curious about what it takes to push the boundaries of human potential. Complimentary breakfast and networking kicks off each event.
Join us for the inaugural edition of “NASA Stories at the Ion” featuring veteran NASA astronaut Dr. Tracy C. Dyson. In this conversation, Dr. Dyson will share stories from her remarkable 373 days in space, her experiences aboard the International Space Station, and the leadership lessons she’s learned while orbiting 250 miles above Earth.

About Tracy C. Dyson
Tracy C. Dyson was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998. The California native has a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and is a veteran of three space flights. Dr. Dyson has designed, constructed and implemented electronics and hardware for the study of atmospheric gas phase chemistry, and has developed and presented numerous papers on methods of chemical ionization for the spectral interpretation of trace compounds. In 2007, Dyson flew aboard the space shuttle Endeavor on STS-118, where she served as a mission specialist. In 2010, she served as flight engineer for Expedition 23/24. She has logged a total of 373 days in space, including over 23 hours in four spacewalks. Most recently, Dyson launched to the International Space Station on March 23, 2024, as a flight engineer on the Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft. Dyson spent six months aboard the station as an Expedition 71 flight engineer, conducting science experiments and maintaining the space station. It was her second long-duration spaceflight and third mission overall.

Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour
2025-07-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, Wade Pinder, for an engaging tour and introduction to the Ion, Houston’s dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, powered by Rice University. This event is designed for entrepreneurs, students, professionals, investors, community leaders, and anyone curious about what the Ion has to offer. For those new to Houston and eager to connect with the local innovation ecosystem, this event provides the perfect opportunity to get started.
The tour will begin in the lobby at 10:00 AM and conclude at 11:00 AM. During this time, participants will learn about the Ion’s resources, events, and facilities. Highlights of the tour include the technology showcases, coworking spaces, public areas, and the on-site restaurants and bars.
About Wade Pinder
Wade Pinder is a dedicated advocate for Houston’s innovation community, serving as the Ion’s Mentor in Residence. With a wealth of experience in product management, community building, and fostering entrepreneurial growth, Wade offers invaluable insights into how the Ion serves as a launchpad for ideas and innovation.
The Vision of the Ion
Powered by Rice University, the Ion is the epicenter of the 16-acre innovation district in the heart of Houston’s midtown. Committed to being the home for Houston’s innovation community, the Ion District propels the transformative culture of people, places, ideas, and experiences that build a better quality of life for all of Houston.
The Ion is a beautifully restored building at 4201 Main Street. It connects Houston’s talent, academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial communities in a collaborative environment designed to inspire and grow ideas. The Ion serves as a space where serendipitous collisions lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
What to Expect

Prototyping Lab: See how ideas are brought to life with state-of-the-art tools and resources.
Coworking Spaces: Explore flexible work areas tailored for collaboration and creativity.
Public Spaces: Discover spaces designed for networking, inspiration, and community events.
Restaurants and Bars: Experience the on-site dining options that make the Ion a lively hub.

Through its programs and partnerships, the Ion empowers individuals and organizations to build, solve, and innovate. From prototyping to pitching, accelerating to sustaining, the Ion is Houston’s headquarters for turning ideas into reality.
Whether you have a promising product, an intriguing technology, a budding business idea, or are simply curious about the Ion and its offerings, this tour will provide valuable insights into how the Ion can help connect your “What-ifs” with “What now.” Don’t miss this opportunity to explore and be inspired by Houston’s innovation ecosystem.

Dropbox Unplugged: Discover, Learn, & Innovate
2025-07-10 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Your AI agents meet your ‘one stop shop’ for all things on Cloud. Dropbox has been the leader for cloud storage and collaboration solutions for teams creating rich content, providing tools that work across ecosystems. NxtGen Analytics’ AI powered workflow make productivity effortless.
Together, we will share real-world use cases on how to design a more enlightened way of working and accelerate innovation – whether you’re brainstorming, managing projects, or co-creating contents. Productivity powered by partnership.
Are you ready to discover, learn, and innovate? Join us in this panel discussion and after the talks for drinks and networking at Second Draught!

Code4Y’all: Understanding Business as a UXer
2025-07-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.meetup.com/code4yall/events/308651689/
Join Code4Y’all for an insightful session led by Isabel Almaguer, Senior Data Advisor, as they explore how UX professionals can bridge the gap between design and business impact.
In this talk, you’ll learn how to:

Clearly communicate the value of your design decisions to stakeholders
Gain internal buy-in for your UX projects
Align your work with broader business goals
Demonstrate how a better user experience can drive measurable outcomes like increased sales, improved customer retention, and operational cost reduction

Whether you’re just starting out in UX or you’re a seasoned pro looking to strengthen your business case skills, this session is for you.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and grow with the Code4Y’all community!
Speaker

Isabel Almaguer is a Senior Data Advisor with a diverse background that bridges technology, design, and data storytelling. She earned her B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Houston–Downtown, along with minors in Mathematics and Art.
Isabel began her career as a Business Intelligence Analyst, where she spent four years researching solutions, visually communicating complex data, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. Her growing interest in human-centered design led her to pursue a career transition into User Experience (UX).
To support this shift, Isabel earned a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction from Iowa State University. She brings a unique perspective to UX by combining technical skills, data fluency, and creativity. Isabel is passionate about community engagement and believes in using design to create meaningful, inclusive experiences.
