A comet makes space feel close
Seeing Comet Hale–Bopp as a child was an early reminder that the night sky is not an abstract subject: it is visible, changing and capable of provoking lifelong curiosity.
- Wonder
- Astronomy
- Curiosity
Biography
Curiosity, evidence and communication.
I began by studying the universe. Since then, my work has moved through science communication, digital practice, space-sector strategy and initiative building. The common thread is a belief that complex work becomes more valuable when people can understand, question and act on it.
The starting point
Learning to work with uncertainty.
Astrophysics gave me more than a subject specialism. It taught me to follow evidence, handle uncertainty carefully and communicate ideas that can be difficult to see, test or explain at first glance. Those habits continue to shape how I approach strategy, writing, teaching and digital work.
I became interested not only in what science discovers, but in how knowledge travels: between researchers and the public, technical teams and decision-makers, organisations and the communities they aim to serve. That interest led me into science communication, editorial work, public engagement and the space sector.
Science into practice
Making complex ideas useful.
My work has included editorial, digital and communications roles across science and space. I have worked with technical material, missions, programmes and opportunities that need to be accurate enough for specialists while remaining meaningful to people outside a particular discipline.
At HE Space, supporting ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions, I worked on strategic communications and digital marketing for space-enabled innovation. That experience reinforced the importance of connecting technical capability with a clear audience, a practical use case and a credible story about impact.
Current work
From communication to responsible systems.
I founded Green Orbit Digital to work with space, sustainability and mission-led organisations on clearer communication, stronger digital practice and more responsible growth. The work brings together strategy, content, research, audience understanding and the practical systems that support them.
Alongside organisation-level work, I write, research, teach and mentor. I am also developing collaborative initiatives through Impact Orbit, including work around space, sustainability, inclusion, public engagement and Leicester's wider space ecosystem.
Selected milestones
How the work developed.
These are selected turning points in the development of my work and perspective. They are not a complete employment history.
For roles, dates, qualifications and a full chronological record, visit View the full chronological CV.
- 1997
- 1999
The eclipse that made astronomy immediate
The 1999 solar eclipse made an astronomical event a shared national experience. It strengthened an interest in observing the sky and in the way science can bring people together around a moment of wonder.
- Solar astronomy
- Public engagement
- Wonder
- c. 2000
Backyard astronomy begins
Started observing from home at around age thirteen, turning curiosity into a regular practice of learning the sky, following celestial events and asking more ambitious questions.
- Observing
- Self-directed learning
- Night sky
- 1998–2005
School years and a growing astronomy community
Developed a scientific foundation at school while attending Horncastle Astronomy Weekend from 2003, finding a community around practical astronomy, shared knowledge and enthusiasm for the night sky.
- Education
- Community
- Amateur astronomy
- 2003–2004
Rare events turn curiosity into direction
Witnessing the 2003 solar eclipse, the 2003 transit of Mercury and the 2004 transit of Venus made orbital mechanics tangible and reinforced a decision to pursue physics and astrophysics.
- Solar system
- Observation
- Physics
- 2005–2009
Physics and astrophysics
Studied Physics with Astrophysics, developing a foundation in mathematics, quantitative research, scientific writing and the careful handling of evidence and uncertainty.
- Astrophysics
- Research
- Evidence
- 2009
Astronomy becomes a public mission
Contributed to the International Year of Astronomy as UK Student Representative, connecting astronomy with education, outreach and public participation at a moment of global celebration.
- Outreach
- Leadership
- Public engagement
- 2009–2012
Research, observation and science outreach
Undertook doctoral studies in astronomy while extending research and outreach experience. This period included observing-time awards as co-investigator with the European Southern Observatory and Palomar Observatory, alongside a Royal Astronomical Society Education and Outreach Small Grant.
- Research
- Observing
- Science communication
- 2013
A global perspective on space
Attended the Space Studies Programme on a UK Space Agency and European Space Agency scholarship. Contributed to AMBIEnT, a project exploring affordable microsatellite-enabled connectivity and environmental monitoring.
- Space applications
- Systems thinking
- Collaboration
- 2015–2019
Communication, innovation and entrepreneurship
Developed digital storytelling and event communications for space-sector organisations, then co-founded a space outreach and skills venture. The period brought together content, community building, entrepreneurship and innovation activity.
- Digital storytelling
- Entrepreneurship
- Community building
- 2021–present
From space innovation to responsible systems
Led communications and digital marketing for ESA Business Applications through HE Space, then founded Green Orbit Digital. Current work combines strategy, science communication, sustainability and collaborative initiatives including Leicester Space Week.
- ESA
- Sustainability
- Strategy
How I work
Principles that carry through the work.
Evidence before assertion
I start with the available evidence, make uncertainty clear and avoid making a complex subject seem simpler than it is.
Clarity without dilution
Good communication does not remove the important detail. It creates a route into it for the people who need to understand.
Responsibility in practice
I am interested in how organisations communicate, build and grow in ways that consider wider social and environmental consequences.