Having obtained a BSc in Physics at the University of Sheffield, I then completed my PGCE at Loughborough University where I became qualified to teach physics and maths. After working as a science and physics teacher I then went to the University of Leicester where I was awarded an MSc with distinction in Space Exploration Systems. I am now studying my PhD at the the Open University in volatile extraction from the lunar south pole.
During my MSc I completed a 6 month international research project with other MSc students. The aim of the project was a pre-phase A study of a mission to Mars to establish a permanent infrastructure to support a series of manned missions to the Martian surface, with a focus on ISRU. Personal contributions include a study of instruments past and present that are looking for water on Mars, and the selection of instruments required to conduct further analysis to determine a suitable landing site for ISRU facilities.
My current research focuses on the development of a breadboard model of the ProSPA instrument due to land on the lunar south pole in 2021 as part of a joint ESA/ROSCOSMOS mission. I am looking at In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) techniques to extract water from lunar regolith.
I am a STEM ambassador and I won the 'I'm a Scientist, get me out of here!' national competition for the Space Exploration zone. I enjoy visiting schools to run space balloon projects and deliver career talks. I also help to deliver science activities at STEM events.
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