Dr. Meredith Beckford-Smart is an Ayurveda Health Coach, analog mission leader, and science educator exploring interdisciplinary approaches to human performance in space. She served as Mission Control Flight Director for the Open Afrika Space Exploration Analog Simulation MWEZI 1 mission, supporting international collaboration in analog space operations and participating in the World’s Biggest Analog Mission. Her work also supported the establishment of an analog space research habitat in Kenya, expanding representation in sub-Saharan Africa.
With training in biology and science education and certification as an Ayurveda Health Coach, she explores how Ayurveda-informed frameworks may complement astronaut preparation, resilience, and recovery for long-duration missions.
She is the founder of Inspire U and Explore With Ollie, and author of Ollie’s Big Dream: A Journey to the Stars. She also serves as World Space Week National Coordinator for Jamaica, advancing global space education.
Space Conference Speaker
Meredith Beckford-Smart
Executive Director, The Futures Forum

