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Dr Emma Puranen

Profile summary

  • Research Staff
  • PDRA, Astrobiology Ethics
  • Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
  • School of Environment, Earth & Ecosystem Sciences
  • emma.puranen

Professional biography

Emma Johanna Puranen is a Post Doctoral Research Associate in Astrobiology Ethics with AstrobiologyOU at the Open University. Her work bridges the sciences and humanities, addressing questions of sustainability and ethics in humanity's activities in space. Currently she is researching Antarctica as an ethical/legal environmental protection analogue for the future of outer space.

Before coming to Milton Keynes, Emma did a BA with majors in astronomy and history at Swarthmore College, and a PhD with the Centre for Exoplanet Science at the University of St Andrews. Her PhD investigated the portrayal of exoplanet science in science fiction with an eye towards its potential for science communication. 

Research interests

Environmental humanities, space ethics, astrobiology analogues, exoplanets, digital humanities, Bayesian networks.

Teaching interests

Teaching experience:

AS1001: Introductory Astronomy, Autumn 2021, 2022, and 2023, University of St Andrews (Tutor)

2021-2023: St Andrews Observatory (Telescope Trainer)

PY4665: First Contact, Autumn 2021, University of St Andrews (Guest Lecturer)

CO4002: The Literary Canon, Spring 2021 & Autumn 2022, University of St Andrews (Guest Lecturer)

Astronomy 1, 2014-2018, Swarthmore College (Assistant Laboratory Instructor)

Impact and engagement

Co-I "Alien Worlds", major exhibit on exoplanets at the Wardlaw Museum, May 2024-January 2025

External collaborations

Member of the Space and Society working group of the Space Academic Network (SPAN)

Member of the European Astrobiology Institute working group on Historical, Philosophical and Societal issues in Astrobiology

Publications

Science fiction media representations of exoplanets: portrayals of changing astronomical discoveries (2024-03-04)
Puranen, Emma Johanna; Finer, Emily; Helling, Christiane and Smith, V. Anne
Journal of Science Communication, 23, Article A04(1)

Through A Mirror, Earthly: Solaris, Gaia, and the Search for Other Worlds (2022-08-24)
Puranen, Emma
In: Gomel, Elana ed. Stanisław Lem and His Aliens: A Tribute and a Challenge
ISBN : 1911486772 | Publisher : Guardbridge Books

Exoplanets as Sites of Rebellion (2022-01-18)
Puranen, Emma Johanna
In : London Science Fiction Research Association 2021 (9 Sep . 2021-11 Sep . 2021, Online)

Exoplanets in Science Fiction (2024)
Puranen, Emma
PhD thesis University of St Andrews