HOUSTON — Retired astronaut Leland Melvin spoke Thursday at Space Center Houston as part of its Thought Leader Series.

The program is designed to share information and create a space for young people to learn about space exploration and discovery.

The presentation was held in partnership with UTMB and moderated by retired astronaut and Space Center Houston Chief Science Officer Megan McArthur.

Melvin recounted childhood experiences that helped lead him toward his career.

He said small moments — including engineering projects with his father and chemistry experiments with a set gifted by his mother — sparked his interest in science early on.

Even during his college sports career, Melvin majored in chemistry.

After an incident that nearly got him kicked out of school, he said someone took a chance on him. The only requirement was that he complete undergraduate research throughout his four years in college.

Melvin connected his experiences to two books: The Little Engine That Could and Curious George.

He said the stories taught him important lessons: believe in second chances and always look for your “man in the yellow hat.”

For Melvin, that person included his high school coach and the professor who gave him a second chance in college.

He encouraged young people with Curious George’s sense of curiosity to find their own “man in the yellow hat.”