The Diaries of Space Explorers: Recent Episodes
Gavin Tolometti
Space medicine is a field in space science that focuses on improving procedures, diagnoses, and technology in the medical field, that can have major benefits for helping provide more accessible medical care to remote communities. Understanding how space medicine can be applied to the medical fields does require a perspective from both the medicine and space industry. To begin scratching the surface on this show, I speak with 3rd medical student Eleonor Frost; space medicine researcher and advocate for brining awareness on the benefits space medicine research has on the medical field.
Guest Bio
Eleonor Frost is a 3rd year graduate Medical student at Aberdeen university in Scotland. She is a graduate of UCL with an honours degree in Physics and Medical Physics. Eleonor works on the AMSRO Women in Aerospace Medicine group as social media coordinator and is the founder of the European Society of Extreme Environment Medicine.
Her experience in Space Medicine started with teaching and mentoring by Dr Kevin Fong on UCL’s Space Medicine and Extreme Environment Physiology course. Alongside this, her thesis researching the “Feasibility and Design of a Microgravity Surgical Workstation” has won a UK wide competition and gold medal at the international IAC in Washington DC. Before the pandemic, she was working as a research assistant at ISSET developing microbiology experiments designed by school students, which launched to the ISS in spring 2019. She is also the lead for two research groups: the SGAC SMLS working group researching how to study ICP changes in microgravity and the ‘Paraboladies’ defining pre-flight medical checks for suborbital spaceflight. As an avid STEM Ambassador, she has enjoyed going into the science museum and schools across London and Scotland to talk about space exploration to over 200 students.
If you would like to learn more about Eleonor’s work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, or follow her on Twitter @Astrosurgery.
For those interested in learning more about the space sector and space medicine, our guest Eleonor Frost has these recommendations and sources:
AsMA (Aerospace Medical Association)
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Aerospace Medicine Students & Residents Organization
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Womxn in Aerospace Medicine
BUSEMA (British Undergraduate Space & Extreme Medicine Association)
UK Space LABS (Life & Biological Sciences)
Royal Aeronautical Society
- NGAM (Next Generation Aerospace Medicine)
SGAC (Space Generation Advisory Council)
- SMLS (Space Medicine Life Sciences) interest group
UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration & Development of Space)
The Physiological Society
Austrian Space Forum (OeWF)
The Mars Society
You can check out this intro to space medicine YouTube series
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=JkuzwJfqX_M
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aYEim6Y1_Ug&feature=youtu.be
Health in Space series: Space Surgery
https://youtu.be/CdsLVVcDyaM
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
I am very excited to introduce this episode as it is all space podcasters dream to interview an astronaut on their platform, and I am pleased to introduce Canadian Space Agency, or CSA, astronaut Joshua Kutryk. Joshua was selected as part of the 2017 CSA Group, the fourth Canadian astronaut recruitment campaign. Before joining the CSA, Joshua was an experimental test pilot and fight pilot in the Canadian Armed Forces in Cold Lake, Alberta, with experience operating more than 25 different aircrafts. Joshua also holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering (1st Class Distinction) from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, as well as two masters degrees in flight test engineering and defense studies.
Joshua takes me back to when he was studying mechanical engineering and space studies at the Royal Military College of Canada and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I learn from Joshua how joining the space sector with an engineering and pilot mindset gives you a sense of learning how to prioritize tasks and achieve your dreams. So, without further ado, let’s get right into the episode.
Guest Bio
Prior to joining the Canadian Space Program, Joshua Kutryk (or Colonel Kutryk) worked as an experimental test pilot and a fighter pilot in Cold Lake, Alberta, where he led the unit responsible for the operational flight-testing of fighter aircraft in Canada, operating more than 25 different aircrafts.
Joshua held the responsibility for safely conducting the initial airborne evaluations of new technologies and systems on CF-18s. He worked with a team of aerospace engineers, analysts, aircraft technicians and program managers in order to make the CF-18 safer and more effective in its mission. Joshua has worked on a variety of technical flight test projects, ranging from navigation tests and flight control systems to weapon guidance and control.
In 2012, Colonel Kutryk received the prestigious Liethen-Tittle Award from the United States Air Force for being their top test pilot graduate, an award also presented to Colonel Chris Hadfield in 1988.
From 2007 to 2011, Colonel Kutryk served as a CF-18 fighter pilot with 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Bagotville, Quebec. During that time, he flew missions in support of NATO, UN and NORAD commitments around the world. He has been deployed in both Libya and Afghanistan.
Credit: Canadian Space Agency (CSA-ASC)
If you would like to learn more about Joshua’s work and astronaut journey, you can follow him on Twitter @Astro_Kutryk, or you can check out his biography on the Canadian Space Agency website.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Injustice comes in many shapes and forms around the world, but all have one thing in common; the oppression of individuals based off their economic status, race, religion, gender, sex, political stance, or belief. Fighting injustice can happen on the streets or in the classrooms, and one way to do this is to follow the practice of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). I learn a lot about how JEDI can improve the way humans interact, communicate, and collaborate together to not only solve world problems, but build stronger and more accessible and inclusive communities. My teachings come from my guest on this episode, electrical engineering graduate student Jin Sia.
Guest Bio
Jin is currently pursuing a Master’s of Electrical Engineering with a Collaborative Specialization in Planetary Sciences at Western University’s Institute for Earth and Space Exploration (Western Space.) He also serves as Chief Diversity Officer and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Mars Society of Canada. As a Malaysian international student studying in Canada, Jin hopes to bring a global perspective to the task of building a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive (JEDI) future for humanity in the cosmos.
If you would like to learn more about Jin’s work, you can connect with him on LinkedIn, or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @jinthespaceguy.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Robotics and space science go hand-in-hand to ensure the success of numerous planetary missions, and lead to life altering innovations that benefit professions on Earth such as enhanced brain surgeries, new prosthetic limb technology, and automated machinery. Space robotics in Canada, and across the world, is becoming a transferable skillset that can be applied to not only space science and planetary exploration, but the improvement of technology on Earth. I learn more about space robotics and how it is being used by aerospace companies to enhance space exploration from mechanical engineering student Vanessa Van Decker.
Guest Bio
Vanessa Van Decker is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering Student specializing in Mechatronics at Ryerson University under the prestigious President’s Scholarship. She has a passion for robotics and space exploration and explores that passion through the contribution of technical ideas and community leadership.
Vanessa strives to empower her community and is currently on the board of directors for the national non-profit Students for the Exploration and Development of Space Canada (SEDS) as the Events Chair. She led 6 Nasa Space Apps Hackathons across Canada and organized SEDS Canada’s annual Canadian Space Conference bringing together students, researchers, and space industry professionals. She is now the President on SEDS Canada, and has co-organized space webinars such as the Nepal x Canada in Space.
Beyond her technical accomplishments, Vanessa has a history of volunteerism. She has created discourse on important topics through organizing TEDxAlgonquinPark, and TEDxBrentwoodCollegeSchool. She volunteers for the Mechanical Engineering department as an Orientation Student Leader. Vanessa continues to mentor younger engineering students each year to reach a hand back after she has benefitted so much from mentorship, her mentorship and community work have been recognized by the LORAN provincial scholarship. Vanessa visits middle schools and high schools in her free time, especially in rural areas, to teach engineering and robotics concepts and inspire students with the possibilities available to them in STEM.
If you would like to learn more about Vanessa’s work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter @VanessaVDecker, and on Instagram @vanessavandecker.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
The search for extant and extinct life in our Solar System has been a driving goal for many planetary scientists. Are we alone in the universe? Did our red planet neighbour once harbor life? Could we learn more about how life originated on Earth by studying Mars and other planetary bodies? These are all questions that Earth Science and Astrobiology student Sian Ford is working to help address.
Guest Bio
Sian Ford is an LGBTQ+ scientist that dreams of being an astronaut! She is currently a PhD candidate in Earth Sciences and Astrobiology working with Dr. Greg Slater at McMaster University. Her research involves using an interdisciplinary approach to help address questions regarding how scientists can search for evidence of extant and extinct life on Mars and learn more about the origin of life here on Earth. Sian's research involves detecting and characterizing microorganisms living at the very limits of terrestrial life as we know it, so we can better understand where and how organisms might live on other planets such as Mars, or moons such as Titan (building up to NASA's Dragonfly mission in the 2030s!). In addition, Sian is interested in the role phospholipids and their constituents may have had in the abiogenic origin of life on Earth some 4 billion years ago.
If you would like to learn more about Sian’s work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on Twitter @sianeford, and her website www.sianeford.com.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
With the boom of the space industry, questions on how humans can ensure space travel, habitation, and exploration will be ethical, just, and fair have become essential to answer. We have seen how humans in the past have explored and colonized land on Earth, and many in the space industry are working to make sure that history doesn't repeat itself. We don't want a single community or group to be the dominate voice, we don't want land on other planetary bodies to be abused, ravished, and stripped of its meaning due to greed or ignorance, and we especially don't want space exploration to isolate many contributing communities. These are all tough goals to achieve, but the first step is to have conversations with many members of the space industry to gain new ideas, perspectives, and insights into our past and how we can help make our future bright. Where are these conversations happening? Well, to find out, I speak with Britt Duffy Adkins, a space urban planner and the founder of the space media company Celestial Citizen that promotes an equitable and just vision of planetary settlement beyond Earth.
Guest Bio
Before Celestial Citizens and her passion for space, Britt worked in asset management and real estate development. Now, she brings forth unique conversations about the human factors that will be essential to our long-term survival and presence on the Moon and Mars, and in deep space exploration. Britt is currently enrolled at the University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy pursuing a master’s in urban planning, holds a master’s degree in Space Resources, an S.B. in Urban Studies and Planning, and a B.A. in Architecture. Britt and I dive into the world of space urban planning, using podcast communication, and how everyone can learn to become responsible stewards of Earth and space.
If you would like to learn more about Britt’s work, make sure to follow the Celestial Citizens podcast on Apple Podcasts, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Also, check out and subscribe to the Continuum space platform newsletter on the Celestial Citizens website to get your space news at a moment’s notice.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sustainability is a word we hear a lot not just in the space industry, but every time we think about the future of the human race. Everyday, people search for new methods and innovations to conserve and reduce energy consumption at factories, office buildings, airports, and in automobiles. However, one place where we should be putting more focus on is our own home. Homes across the world, but especially in western civilization are using more energy that required, which has a direct impact energy use and demand, and more importantly, on our environment. Making homes more energy efficient, and less reliant on non-reusable energy sources such as natural gas, oil, and coal, can have a strong positive effect on combating climate change, and the development of more sustainable homes in countries with harsher environments. To talk about home sustainability, carbon net-0 homes, and the future of Mars infrastructure, I speak with Dr. Natalie Ren the founder and CEO of Astreia, a venture on a mission to build a sustainable future in space.
Natalie's company Astreia builds sustainable communities on Earth, advancing towards the goal of building settlements on Mars. Natalie formerly served as the Artificial Intelligence Specialist for the Australian government, and holds a PhD in Neuroscience, Master in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, and a Bachelor in Biomedical Science (honors). She was inspired by the launch of SpaceX's Starman to tackle the challenge of human survival on Mars, but is also passionate about mitigating climate change to help preserve Earth.
If you would like to learn more about Natalie’s work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram @natalie.rens, or follow the Astreia Instagram @astreiainc account or website.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Welcome to part 2 of the Zenith Pathways special, where I chat with four of the Zenith Fellows of 2022; the bright future of Canada's aerospace industry!
I start by speaking with Vanessa Van Decker a 3rd year mechanical engineering student at Ryerson University and Manal Siddiqui an undergraduate studying computer science at Carleton University. After hearing both Vanessa's and Manal's love and passion for space I move to Makenna Kuzyk, a mechanical engineering undergraduate at the University of Alberta and Jagriti Luitel a second year mechanical engineering student at the University of New Brunswick.
All four of them are passionate space explorers, and I am excited to see them progress, excel, and innovate in the Canadian aerospace industry. Make sure to check out their profiles on the Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation Fellows page, follow their host companies, and find out how you can become a future Zenith fellow.
For Vanessa and Manal segment, start 1 m 45s.
For Makenna and Jagriti segment, start 23 m 49s.
Follow Zenith 2022 Fellows!
Vanessa: Twitter (@VanessaVDecker), Instagram (@vanessavandecker), and LinkedIn (Vanessa Van Decker)
Manal: LinkedIn (Manal Siddiqui)
Makenna: Instagram (@mak.kuzyk), LinkedIn (Makenna Kuzyk), and website (http://makennakuzyk.space/)
Jagriti: Instagram (@jagriti_luitel), LinkedIn (Jagriti Luitel), and website (https://www.jagritiluitel.com/)
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Welcome to something a little bit different to this podcast. This is my first two part episode special, and I am very excited for this to be my first!
I get to share with you, the story of how the first space sector fellowship foundation in Canada, the Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation, was created and how it has already helped so many students connect to the aerospace industry after less than one year since founded!
In this two part special, I speak with co-founders Hira Nadeem and Tahir Merali, and four of the selected Zenith Fellows of 2022.
This is part 1, and I learn about the Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with the goal to provide internship and mentorship opportunities in the space industry to early-career professionals from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups across Canada. I speak with co-founders Hira Nadeem and Tahir Merali about the founding of Zenith and helping connect students to aerospace industry partners across Canada.
If you would like to learn more about Hira, Tahir, and Zenith, you can find them on the Zenith Canada Pathways Foundation website, or follow Zenith on Instagram and Twitter @ZenithPathways.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
I want to understand how the space sector works in multiple nations, but I am met with limitations because I am a foreign national. I see my friends who are also citizens also experience limitations, caused by defense department funding sources and government groups. How can the space sector truly become ethical and accessible if still today students and early careers are having to navigate barriers to obtain internships and jobs? I get to jump into the world of space sustainability and ethics by chatting with space explorer and sustainability and climate change PhD student Sahba El Shawa.
Sahba holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in mechanical engineering and a masters of science in space studies. She is a strong advocate for space equality and accessibility, in particular the decoupling of defense from space, which will help remove barriers that limit the participation of national and international students in the space sector. We dive into the work Sahba has completed during her PhD in space sustainability, and how she founded the Jordan Space Research Initiative to help Jordanians gain access to resources needed to join the space sector, and to provide opportunities for underrepresented communities and raise awareness for Palestine’s in the space community.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers, Twitter @DiariesofSpace, and Facebook Diaries of Space Explorers.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Do you want to hear a casual conversation about space, why it is cool, and how humanity has been inspired by the innovation and hard work of the entire space exploration community? Space explorer Beth Mund and I, jump into the world of storytelling, science communication and media, and how one casual conversation can lead to a life changing event.
Beth Mund is a keynote speaker and space communications strategist who helps startups and big corporations tell their stories through her company, Stellar Communications. She has worked as a public affairs officer for NASA's Johnson Space Center and the International Space Station Program, where she was responsible for strategic communications on behalf of the program with national and international media. As an expert in space communications strategy, Beth is passionate about helping others share their knowledge and experience through storytelling. Beth Mund is also the host of the Casual Space Podcast and two-time analog astronaut who recently completed missions: in Hawaii and Poland. She believes we can all live like astronauts when we apply the little things that can transform our life on earth and beyond.
If you would like to learn more about Beth’s work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on Instagram and Facebook @casualspacepodcast, and her website bethmund.com. Also, don’t forget to follow the Casual Space podcast and listen to incredible stories by many people in the space sector!
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Space exploration is not all about launching rockets and exploring other worlds, it is finding out how we can connect with students from communities across the globe and provide services they don't have access to compared to major municipal cities and well-developed populations. Jason Michaud, CEO of Stardust Technologies emphasizes with this thought on the space sector, and he and his team are striving to connect and help the youth in isolated communities in northern Ontario by providing access to resources for education and career development in the field of STEM.
Stardust was founded to create innovative technologies through science and technology, to help empower and guide humanity to a sustainable future. Jason Michaud and members of Stardust work to solve major local and global issues that impact our every day lives, and find new ways to use virtual and augmented reality to educate the public about STEM and the ever growing space sector.
If you would like to learn more about Jason’s work, you can connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram @jmichaud67, or you can follow StarDust Techologies on Instagram, Twitter, or on the company website, stardust-technologies.com.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Nations and governments all have their personal agenda's when it comes to space exploration. Some want to see more spaceflight launches, while others want to see how the space sector contributes back to the community. At the same time, nations discuss growing issues that will impact the space sector, in particular how Earth's low orbit is becoming littered with active, decommissioned, and pieces of satellites and space debris.
Space explorer Charity Weeden, takes myself on a journey about how she found her path to space through the Royal Canadian Airforce, her work on space debris mitigation, and space policy and global affairs.
Charity Weeden is the Astroscale U.S. VP of Global Space Policy and Government Relations. Charity received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and her Master of Science in space science from the University of North Dakota. Charity’s role involves coordinating and synchronizing Astroscales global policy efforts towards spaceflight safety to achieve and ensure long-term space sustainability. Charity has had an incredible journey in the field of space, from spending 23 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, being the Senior Director of Policy at the Satellite Industry Association and starting a consulting business to support and grow the space industry. Charity stands for space sustainability and becoming a role model for many people in the space sector and has worked with international partners and nations to understand the issues surrounding spaceflight and exploration, in particular the growing concern of space debris.
If you would like to learn more about Charity’s work, check out her Astroscale info on the company website or connect with her on LinkedIn.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
How can someone search for past life on Mars while on Earth? I thought that is why we sent rovers to Mars?
Well...you are right about the rovers, but what if I told you that there are sites on Earth that have environments mirroring what Mars' climate and surface used to look like millions to billions of years ago?
Find out in this episode with space explorer Dr. Angélica Anglés!
Dr. Angélica Anglés is a planetary scientist and astrobiologist (and pianist) whose research is centred around the search for extraterrestrial life on Mars. She studies extreme environments as Mars analog sites, mostly the Qaidam Basin in the mountains of Tibet to find clues for the possibility of life on Mars. Thanks to her research, she took part in the Landing Site Selection for the NASA Mars 2020 planetary mission and she has been part of several NASA panels. She has won several awards and scholarships to study extreme environments on Earth, such as the Pilbara in Australia, the hot springs in Rotorua (New Zealand), Lake Ciso in Spain or the French Pyrénées. She is the author of several scientific publications in peer reviewed journals and has co-authored a book (Astrobiology & Society in Europe Today) published in 2017. Additionally, she is recognized in the media as an expert in this field, with multiple radio interviews, TV and social media appearances. This year Harper’s BAZAAR magazine awarded her the title of Visionary Woman 2020, aimed to recognize and honor high-achieving female leaders with true vision in several different fields. Furthermore, she is the Chair of the Explorers Club Hong Kong Chapter, and currently she is still searching for life on Mars!
If you would like to learn more about Angélica’s work on Mars analogue research and astrobiology, check out her website www.angelicaangles.com or follow her on Instagram @angelica_angles.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
In this episode, I speak with Dr Anna Losiak, a planetary geologist at the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Chief Science Officer for the European Rover Challenge. Anna started her career in planetary science when she moved to the United States to obtain her Master’s degree at Michigan State University, and later returned to Europe to obtain her PhD studying impact craters at the University of Vienna. Anna tells me about her journey travelling and studying in the United States, how planetary science research is conducted differently in North America and Europe, and what it means to respect the land where geologists conduct field work. One take away message I hope you all learn from Anna is how important it is to understand the archeological and cultural significance of field sites on Earth. Anna and I talk about the Kaali Crater in Estonia and the cultural connections it has with the local community. Near the end of the episode, Anna gets to tell me about her incredible work with the European Rover Challenge, the largest Mars analogue rover challenge in the world!
If you would like to learn more about Anna’s work on impact cratering and the European Rover Challenge, check out the European Rove Challenge website, or connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
In this episode, we speak with Dr Shawna Pandya, a Canadian physician, and scientist-astronaut program graduate with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences. Dr Pandya is wearer of many hats, from being the director of the IIAS Space Medicine Group, Chief Instructor of the IIAS Operational Space Medicine course, Director of Medical Research at Orbital Assembly Corporation, Primary Investigator for the Shad Canada-Blue Origin student microgravity competition, and as well as many more. I am taken on journey by Dr Pandya about how she has dedicated her life to connecting the public to the space sector, merging the world of clinical and medical science to human space flight, and mentoring the next generation of space explorers through outreach initiatives and through Project PoSSUM. From this episode, we will how people from all backgrounds can come together to participate and contribute to space exploration, and work as a single, inclusive community.
For more about Dr. Pandya, she was also part of the first crew to test a commercial spacesuit in zero-gravity in 2015. She earned her aquanaut designation during the 2019 NEPTUNE (Nautical Experiments in Physiology, Technology and Underwater Exploration) mission, and she has previously served as Commander during a 2020 tour at the Mars Desert Research Station. Her expeditions were captured in the Land Rover short, released with the Apollo 11: First Steps film. She previously interned at ESA’s European Astronaut Center and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and she has also published numerous articles and chapters on space technologies that have benefitted terrestrial medicine, psychological resilience in long-duration spaceflight, and reproduction and sexuality in long-duration spaceflight.
Dr. Pandya is a seasoned speaker and has given keynotes all around the world, including TEDxEdmonton 2010, TEDxUAlberta 2016 on Success, Failure, Resilience and Pushing the Limits, TEDxISU 2019 at the International Space University on “Discovering Exploration,” and in former Canadian Prime Minister Rt Hon. Kim Campbell’s Peter Lougheed Leadership College Leadership Lecture Series on Emotional Intelligence.
If you would like to learn more about Shawna’s work, you can read about her experiences and journey on her on her website shawnapandya.com. You can also find Shawna on LinkedIn and on Instagram @shawnapandya.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Lunar resources are becoming the talk of the aerospace industry, for what they will bring for long-term human exploration on the Moon and in Deep Space. In the past decade, aerospace companies and space agencies have been reaching out to terrestrial exploration companies, such as oil & gas and mining, to ask how technology they use in harsh environments on Earth can be adapted and modified for the lunar environment. Conversations are still new, and there are still a lot more collaborations needed to progress forward to search for resources on the Moon.
In this episode, I speak with Zac Trolley who is the Chief Executive Officer at the Lunar Water Supply Company in Alberta, Canada and has been involved in engineering since 2008. Zac is particularly interested in water-ice and resource potential on the Moon, and help companies understand the potential the Moon has for long-term space exploration. Zac takes me on his journey about how the Lunar Water Supply Company started and what it is about resources on the Moon that drives his passion in the space sector. From this episode, we will learn why the private sector are interested in resources on the Moon, and how non-space and aerospace companies perceive the growing and expanding space sector.
To learn more about Zac's work and the Lunar Water Supply Company you should check out their team's page on their website lunarwatersupply.com/team.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Writing and reading is a huge part of everyone's career. We cannot escape it, let only, fully master it. In STEM, writing and reading becomes the bread and butter of your daily routine, so figuring out how to read and write like a scientist becomes a challenge at the beginning. We learn from our guest today all about the challenges graduate students face when learning scientific writing and understanding how to properly digest a scientific paper.
In this episode, I speak with PhD student Miche Aaron who studies earth and planetary science at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, USA. Miche brings me to a worlds of Martian impact craters and how herself and other scientists study hydrothermal clays and sulfates using a technique known as remote spectroscopy. She explains how impact craters provide us a window to studying the rocks beneath the surface of a planet, and how they are connected to finding both extinct and extant life. Miche also takes me on a journey about how she learned to write like a scientist and read the important details in peer-reviewed papers and communicate planetary science research to audiences outside of STEM. Her experience learning scientific writing and science communication has led her to become a lead volunteer at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution and a DC STEM Network Ambassador at Carnegie Institution for Science. Miche tells me about her initiative The Women+ of Color Project and how herself and colleagues offer workshops for underrepresented groups wanting to apply for graduate school.
If you would like to learn more about Miche’s work on Martian impact cratering, outreach, and women of color projects, check out her website www.micheaaron.com and follow her activity her Twitter @Astrenome.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Magnets are everywhere in our lives, from holding holiday souvenirs on our fridges to helping improve rail line systems and transportation. But did you know that magnets, or more specifically the study of magnetic properties, magnetism, can tell us a lot about the history of a planetary body? Well if you did not, after this episode, you will learn a new meaning of the phrase "magnets are cool!".
In today's episode, I speak with Dr. Beck Strauss (they/them/theirs) who is a research scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on detail to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where their work focuses on the development of techniques and instrumentation for experimental analyses of geological material during spaceflight. As a planetary geophysicist, Dr. Strauss studies how rocks and minerals from the Moon and other planets record changing magnetic fields over billions of years. When not elbows-deep in a magnetometer, they can also be found advocating for gender inclusive methods in studies of the space science workforce.
If you would like to learn more about Beck’s work on geomagnetism and gender inclusivity and equity, you can check out their website bestrauss.com, and you can follow them on Twitter at @BeckEStrauss.
If you would like to learn more about the show you can email us at thediariesofspaceexplorers@gmail.com.
Follow the Diaries of Space Explorers on Instagram @diariesofspaceexplorers
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
The arts and sciences have always been considered separate entities that rarely overlap. Science used data and facts to test hypotheses while art uses material, music, movement, and illustrations to express emotions and experiences. Time to visit a world where the two are combined! In this episode, we learn from Concordia University PhD candidate Bettina Forget about her work on science-art communication, feminism through lunar craters, and expressing science data using various art techniques.
Space Explorer - Bettina Forget
Bettina Forget is a Montreal-based artist, researcher, and educator. Bettina directs the SETI Institute’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program. In this capacity she facilitates the collaboration between artists and SETI researchers, foregrounds art-science research practice, and establishes a network of institutional partners active in art, science, and technology. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Art Education at Concordia University, Canada where she examines how the recontextualization of art and science may disrupt gender stereotypes. Bettina’s creative work explores the subjects of astronomy, science fiction, and feminism. She has exhibited her artwork in the USA, Canada, Germany, Iceland, Russia, Singapore, and Nicaragua. Born in Germany, Bettina has studied at Central St-Martins School of Art in London, England, at Curtin University in Perth, Australia and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore.
To learn more about Bettina's work, you check out her sketches and art pieces on her website Women With Impact, or you can find her on LinkedIn, or on Instagram @myvisualvoice.
Kicking off season 2 with space law, a new field in the space sector that is constantly growing and evolving. In this episode, we hear from space law and human rights advocate AJ Link about the subjects on how we can build a diverse and accessible community in space, and ensure everyone is treated equally and we don't fall back on a colonial system.
Our guest AJ Link (he/him) received his JD from The George Washington University Law School. His studies focused extensively on disability law, international human rights, and space law. AJ has been actively involved with disability advocacy in the Washington, DC area and nationally within the United States.
AJ was awarded the Michael Dillon Cooley Memorial Award by his graduating class for his compassion and humanity in serving his fellow students. He serves on several advisory boards that focus on disability advocacy and social justice. AJ is openly autistic. He was a 2020 Disability:IN NextGen Leader and was inducted into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame.
AJ is currently pursuing an LL.M in Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law, while also chairing The Center for Air and Space Law Task Force on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Aerospace and a Senior Editor of the Journal of Space Law. He works as a research director for the Jus Ad Astra project and serves as co-president of the National Disabled Law Students Association, which he co-founded.
To learn more about AJ's work, you can find him on LinkedIn and on Instagram @knilirabaj
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the space industry has become more common, which is incredible, since it means change can start to happen in the workplace. The space industry is one of the best work environments to have moved forward in terms of DEI, but we still have a lot of work to do. Questions that come up with members of the space industry include, “How can I be a better ally for women in STEM or people of colour in STEM?”, “How can I make my research group or company a more welcoming and inclusive environment?”, and "How can I make space accessible for everyone?".
To start us on this journey, I speak with Bailey Burns who is an Aerospace Systems Engineer with Paragon Space Development Corporation. Baily’s work focuses on life support and mission operations for spacecrafts and spacesuits. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a M.S. in Space Resources from the Colorado School of Mines. Bailey has her sights set on the Moon and is actively finding new ways to get involved in this endeavor, most recently with HI-SEAS. Bailey was part of a 2-week simulated moon base mission exploring lava tubes in Hawaii with HI-SEAS. She also focuses on STEM outreach with Rubik's cubes using her social media platform to excite others about space, and make space for everyone.
If you would like to learn more about Bailey’s work, you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ninjaneergirl, or you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
The image of a scientist is viewed differently in different cultures, where in some, a scientist is considered someone who only conducts rigorous research and is not distracted by creative ideas or extracurricular activities. This does sound pretty intimidating and scary, especially for anyone who is thinking about going to grad school and joining the academic community. Well I am here to say that you do not need to be afraid. There are students and professionals out in the academic community across the world who want to change the image of a scientist and add creative thinking as a major component in research. To talk about this topic, I invited an incredible guest onto the show.
In this episode, I speak with Debarati Das, who is graduate student at McGill University in Canada and a member of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory team. Her current research focuses on determining geochemistry and past water activity in Gale Crater using data from the laser instrument onboard the Curiosity rover. Debarati also uses terrestrial analogs from Death Valley to understand more about the possible geologic history of Mars and was granted an early-career National Geographic grant to fund her fieldwork in Death Valley. Debarati did her first master's project on Himalayan geology at the Indian Institute of Technology in India and her second master's project on meteorites at Okayama University in Japan. She is passionate about science education and outreach and volunteers for Let's Talk Science.
If you would like to learn more about Debarati’s work, you can follow her on Twitter @SpaceWicca.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
A struggle to obtain resources for high level education and outreach is not just a problem for developing countries, but also in segregated areas within developed countries that have some of the best available material and research institutions. Ensuring everyone has access to the same resources and experiences when it comes to STEM should be a common goal for countries around the world. Resources and experiences to pursue careers in STEM should not just be limited to those who have financial privileges. I get to talk about this topic from Melissa Mirino, who also has an incredible story to tell about her journey to discovering space and planetary geology.
Melissa is a PhD candidate from the Open University in the United Kingdom and ever since she was a child, she dreamed of learning more about the planets and moons in our solar system. From her dreams, she has been able to work with all sorts of data collected by spacecrafts such as the NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the European Space Agency Mars-Express. During my time talking with Melissa, she tells me about her experience getting to engage with and inspire the next generation who want to pursue careers in STEM. During her time as an undergraduate at the University of Rome, she worked at the Museo Geoplaeontologico Ardito Desio, worked as a PhD tutor for the award-winning charity Brilliant Club, was part of the organizing team for the Space Rendezvous in Rome, and currently she is Chair of the Europlanet Early Career Communications working group. She hopes to spread her passion for planetary science with the next generation and ensure everyone from all backgrounds are given the same opportunities to pursue a career in space.
If you would like to learn more about Melissa’s work, you can find more information on her Europlanet Early Career profile, or you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
What started as a rock and mineral collection hobby and love geology led to a dedicated journey to pursuing a career in planetary science research. In this episode. We follow the journey of University of Oslo, PhD student Elise Harrington who I met in Canada when I started my Master's degree in 2016. Since the start of her undergraduate degree, Elise has had numerous opportunities studying various topics in planetary science and travelled across the world to conduct intense research. Her journey has taken her to learning about the mountains of Venus, the far side of the Moon, meteorites, salt diapirs in the Canadian High Arctic, astronaut geology training in Germany, and now Martian salts in Norway. What all started from an interest in rocks, minerals, and fossils, Elise reached forward and found her passion for planetary science and space exploration. She aspires to apply her scientifically and internationally diverse background to promote collaboration between space agencies and industries.
If you would like to learn more about Elise’s work, you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @Elusieum or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Kristen graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in astrophysics in 2016. There she found her passion for optics and space instrumentation via various research terms and the student group AlbertaSat. In 2018 she completed her MSc in Earth and Space science at York University where she developed laser spectroscopy technologies for planetary exploration applications, and co-founded Wyvern, an Alberta-based earth observation startup where she now acts as the Chief Science Officer. She has since started her PhD in quantum optics at the University of Toronto, working on space-based optical clock systems for gravitational wave detection. She has experience in quantum optics, x-ray instrumentation, optical design, laser systems, and laser spectroscopy. She has won numerous prestigious awards including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Vanier and Alexander Graham Bell scholarships and an NSERC CREATE Fellowship in Technologies and Techniques for Earth and Space Exploration. In her spare time she volunteers on the Board of Directors for Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) Canada as Projects Chair, where she works with the Canadian Space Agency, the National Research Council of Canada, and other partners to train the future space workforce via experiential learning opportunities for post-secondary students.
If you would like to learn more about Kristen’s work, you can find her on LinkedIn and you can go to the Wyvern website (https://www.wyvern.space/) to learn all about her start-up company and its goal in the space industry.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
In this episode, we speak with Thomas Sears who is currently a Ph.D. student and Vanier Scholar researching robotics at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. His research in mobile mapping techniques will increase the utility of robots in natural settings on Earth and the scientific potential of rover missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Thomas previously studied at the University of Toronto's Space Flight Laboratory and worked as an engineer at Sinclair Interplanetary, where his main responsibilities were to design and build satellite hardware. He currently volunteers on the advisory board for Engineers of Tomorrow, an engineering outreach organization, and mentors students on Queen’s Space Engineering Team's (QSET) CubeSat project. Beyond engineering, Thomas can be found trying to do yoga, promoting sustainability, and reading Marvel comics.
If you would like to connect with Thomas, you can find him on Twitter (https://twitter.com/astrosears), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tmcsears/), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmcsears/).
Host and creator : Gavin Tolometti Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
In this episode, we speak with fellow Western Space alumni Dr. Raymond Francis. Raymond holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ottawa, a Master’s in Physics (Space Science) from the Royal Military College of Canada, and a PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Western University in collaboration with the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. Raymond has worn many hats, from testing autonomous instruments in the Canadian high artic and deserts in California, supporting airbourne science operations for the Airbourne Snow Observatory, and getting his pilot’s license. Raymond talks about how his journey involved many obstacles and challenges along the way and difficult decisions that would have impacted the entire start of his career in space exploration. From working as a graduate trainee at the European Space Agency working on micro-gravity payloads to now being the Science Team Training Coordinator for the Project Science Office on the Mars 2020 rover mission, Raymond has shown with hard-work, good planning, and a sprinkle of luck, you can achieve greatness in the space sector.
If you would like to learn more about Raymond’s work, you can find him on the NASA Science Mars Exploration Program website (https://mars.nasa.gov/people/profile/?id=22826).
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
In this episode, we speak with Kelsey Doerksen who is a Space Systems engineer at Planet on the Mission Operations team, operating the world’s largest Earth Observation satellite constellation. She holds a Masters degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Western Ontario where she researched machine learning applications to space weather, in partnership with l’Observatoire de Paris, and a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering: Space Systems Design, from Carleton University. Kelsey has previously worked at the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab in the Machine Learning and Instrument Autonomy group working on future Mars rover technology, and is an incoming DPhil student to the University of Oxford’s Centre for Doctoral Training in Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems starting Fall 2021, where she will be developing machine learning tools to research the impacts of climate change.
If you would like to contact Kelsey and learn more work and her journey you can connect with her on LinkedIn or on Twitter @spacecadet_kels
Host and creator : Gavin Tolometti Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
In this episode, we are going to be taking a trip to the UK, my home country.
We speak with Myles Johnson who is a Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin UK, with a background in spacecraft systems engineering, having supported multiple European Space Agency (ESA) programmes including SpaceRider and Mars Sample Return. Myles is passionate about outreach and is currently leading an outreach-focused team at his local workplace; supporting multiple Royal Aeronautical Society committees focusing on bringing space-related education to the next generation; and also has recently co-founded an organization called ‘Astroverse’ to reduce barriers to the UK Space Industry by networking and sharing events.
If you would like to learn more about Astroverse you can visit the organization website, www.ukastroverse.com. To learn more about Myle's work you can reach out to him on LinkedIn.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
The academic and commercial side of the space sector have their own pros and cons, and finding out which is the right fit for you can be challenging. I wanted to help bring more light to both sides of the space sector by speaking with this weeks guest, "The Professional Martian", Dr Tanya Harrison. Tanya is a respected Mars expert who worked as a geoscientist and mission operations specialist on multiple NASA Mars missions over the past 13 years, including the Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance rovers, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. A respected thought leader in the commercial space sector from her previous role as Director of Research for Arizona State University’s NewSpace Initiative, she currently works as the Director of Science Strategy for the federal arm of the Earth observing satellite company Planet Labs. She holds a Ph.D. in Geology with a Specialization in Planetary Science and Exploration from the University of Western Ontario. If you would like to reach out to Tanya to ask about her journey or connect to the space sector you can find her on Twitter and Instagram @tanyaofmars or you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
Host and creator : Gavin Tolometti Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Dr. Michael Gallagher is the President and CEO of Association of Spaceflight Professionals Inc., an organization developing early-stage human-in-the-loop space experiments and technologies. Michael currently practices family medicine and dive medicine at the Canadian Forces Base in Esquimalt, British Columbia. He also provides medical care in rural emergency departments, hospitals and clinics in Alberta and Canada’s north. He completed a Canadian Space Agency-sponsored aerospace medicine elective at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in April 2010. His preliminary investigations into lower body negative pressure as a possible countermeasure for bone loss earned him a spot as a finalist for the Aerospace Medical Association’s Jeff Myers Young Investigator Award. He believes profoundly in human spaceflight’s capacity to spur meaningful technological innovation and unify humanity in pursuit of a common goal.
If you would like to learn more about the Association of Spaceflight Professionals you can check out their website, Association of Spaceflight Professionals - Home. To learn more about Michael's work and his involvement in space you can connect to him on LinkedIn.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Oh boy do I have a treat for you! You have heard guests talk about space business, space economy, space technology and space art, but you haven't yet heard about the history of space technology! Strap yourselves in for an episode full of history, space facts, wit and science communication!
In this episode, I speak with Amy Shira Tietel. Amy holds a Bachelor's degree with combined honours in History of Science and Technology and Classics (U. of King's College and Dalhousie University) and a Master's degree in Science and Technology Studies (York University). She has had a lifelong passion for spaceflight, which started when she was researching for a second-grade project on Venus. She was captivated by a cartoon image of two astronauts on the Moon and had to know everything about the Apollo program. She produces space technology videos for her YouTube channel The Vintage Space, and is the author of three books: Fighting For Space, Apollo Pilot, and Breaking the Chains of Gravity.
Amy combined her passion for space and writing into one, and has since then transitioned from space blogger to space YouTuber and now to space author. She is an example of how you can become involved in space exploration with a science or engineering heavy background.
If you would like to learn more about Amy's work, learn about Space Technology History from her YouTube channel The Vintage Space, and find her books you can check out her website, https://www.amyshirateitel.com
Alternatively, you can follow her on Instagram @amyshiratietel or on Twitter @AmyShiraTietel
Host and Creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Although this title is controversial, it represents the theme of this episode quite well! We get to dive into another non-science and non-engineering journey to the field of space with Kate Howells.
Kate Howells is a communications strategist for The Planetary Society, an organization that aims to empower people around the world to become involved in advancing space exploration. She also serves as a member of the Government of Canada's Space Advisory Board, and is the author of Space is Cool as F**k.
If you would like to learn more about Kate's work you can follow her on Twitter @SpaceKateH
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
We return with an another amazing Mars scientist, science communicator, and space lego collector!
We speak with Dr. Cecilia Leung, a planetary scientist specializing in the present-day water cycle on Mars. Her research combines the use of 3D numerical atmospheric models and spacecraft observations to study seasonal changes in the Martian weather and climate. Her work also supports the Entry-Descent-and-Landing (EDL) of recent Mars Missions such as the InSight Mars Lander and the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover.
Dr. Leung received her PhD from the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona, and is currently a NASA postdoctoral fellow at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. One of the greatest privileges of her job is the opportunities to communicate the joys of planetary exploration with students and space enthusiasts, as well as connecting the relevance of research and technology development to the benefits in our daily lives.
If you would like to learn more about Cecilia's work you can find her NASA bio at https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/Leung/ or you can follow her on Twitter @CelestialCess
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Did you know you can download data and images of planetary bodies taken by spacecrafts!? On your own home laptop!? Well if you did not and want to learn how you can, this is the episode for you!
We speak with Dr. Ali Bramson, a planetary scientist and professor at Purdue University. Her research uses NASA spacecraft mission data to learn about the geology of other planets in our Solar System, and her work on Martian ice is helping to shape the future of human exploration of Mars. She is originally from Wisconsin, USA and got her bachelor's degree in physics and astrophysics from UW-Madison. She got her PhD in planetary sciences at the University of Arizona and moved to Indiana just this past fall to start her new job at Purdue. She tells us how her childhood dream of wanting to become an astronaut led her to internships and experiences working with real space mission data collected by NASA spacecrafts. We also learn from her the soft skills she developed as a student, theatre performer in middle school, and now professor.
If you would like to learn more about Ali and her work you can follow her on Twitter @AliBramson.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
I am going to let the title do the talking for you this time :D
In this episode, we speak with Alina Kunitskaya who holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Calgary and is currently a PhD student in biomedical engineering at the University of British Columbia. Her passion for solving space exploration challenges led to her involvement in developing a process to recycle astronauts’ fecal waste into 3D-printable bioplastics, developing and flying a scientific payload in microgravity, developing an oxygen production process on Mars, and completing a simulated sub-orbital spaceflight to help scientists examine the physiological and psychological impacts of g-forces associated with spaceflight. Alina currently volunteers as a Director at Large at SEDS-Canada (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space).
If you would like to learn more about Alina's work and follow her journey you an find her on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Host and creator: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Mariam has a BSc. in Electrical Engineering from UT Austin and an MBA from the University of Toronto. She has a global and multi-disciplinary background, having worked as a commercial space consultant, as a technology strategist in the Enterprise Innovation team at one of the largest banks in Canada, as a field engineer on an oil rig in Russia, a manufacturing engineer in a Product Development center in Texas and as a business development manager for a Toronto-based Quantum computing startup. In her free time, Mariam is involved with various non-profit organizations in the space sector including SEDS-Canada as an Advisory Board member and SGAC where she serves as the National Point of Contact for Canada.
If you would like to learn more about Mariam's work and reach out to her if you have questions about the space sector you can find her on Instagram and Twitter @spacenaseem or you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
Spin-Off Technology from Episode: Space-Age Water Conservation | NASA Spinoff
Host and Producer: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Emile has been fascinated by space for as long as she can remember. It was not until her high school science teacher introduced her to extremophiles that her curiosity about life on other worlds was sparked. With the mentorship of her fantastic astronomy professor at John Abbott College and her passion for astrobiology, she jumped into the field of space and is now currently pursuing a BSc in Planetary Sciences at McGill University. Incidentally, these experiences made her a huge advocate for supporting young people in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) via educational outreach! Over the course of her undergrad, she has undertaken some pretty awesome research projects: surface mapping of simulated exoplanets, experimenting with biomineralization of Mg-clays, and most recently, remote sensing of lunar impact melt deposits at Western University's Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. Like many space enthusiasts, she dreams of becoming an astronaut, but not before contributing to a few space missions while earthbound!
If you would like to learn more about Emilie's work and see her wonderful space art posts you can follow her on Instagram @astroemilie or visit her website astroemilie.wordpress.com
Podcast is also available on YouTube
Host and Producer: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Dr. Parshati Patel is an astrophysicist turned science communicator and STEM education researcher based in London, Ontario, Canada. She moved to Canada from India to get her Bachelors of Science at the University of Toronto and then on to get her PhD in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Western Ontario. She is passionate about communicating space science and technology with the students and the public to ignite their curiosity about Earth's environment and our place in the universe. She enjoys capturing the night sky, cooking, painting and watching romantic movies!
If you want to learn more about Parshati's work, you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ParshatiPatel
Host and Producer: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Hira Nadeem graduated with her Bachelors of Engineering from McMaster University in Canada, and is a Masters of Engineering and Science student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Western University's Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. Hira is a strong believer in making space accessible and interdisciplinary. As the former Operations and Co-Project Manager for McMaster NEUDOSE, a cube satellite team taking part in the Canadian CubeSat Project with the Canadian Space Agency, she had the opportunity to work with students across different departments to design and build a cube satellite that will launch in 2022. Hira strives to create inclusive opportunities for students across Canada who are passionate about space exploration. Through her involvement as a former President of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) Canada, and the co-founder of the McMaster Planetary Society, Hira has led teams to create opportunities for Canadian students and young professionals locally and nationally.
In 2020, Hira was selected as a Brooke Owens Fellow, which gave her the opportunity to intern at Planet in San Francisco, California. She is also the co-Founder of Zenith Canada, a national merit based training and career development program to support and sustain Canadian students and young professionals in the space industry. Hira is excited to research solutions to problems both on Earth and in space during her Master's, and looks forward to continuing to support and sustain the Canadian space industry.
If you want to learn more about Hira's work, you can follow her on Twitter @hirainspace.
Host and Producer: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com
Dr Hannah Sargeant is a post-doctoral researcher working at the Open University, UK. She works in the field of space resources, in particular the search for water on the Moon and how to use it to support future lunar missions. She found inspiration from space when she got to watch a Space Shuttle Launch as a teenager and since then she has become involved in science communication, teaching, collecting and building space Lego, and contributing to future missions to the Moon where water and other resources can be extracted from Moon rocks.
If you want to learn more about Hannah's work you can follow her on Twitter @Dr_Hannah_Sarge.
Host and Producer: Gavin Tolometti
Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com