Maggie Aderin-Pocock is an established space scientist and research fellow at University College London. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia at eight years old, Maggie had her heart set on the skies from an early age, venturing on to complete her degree in physics followed by a doctorate in mechanical engineering.
In her thriving career within the space industry, Maggie has specialised in optical instrumentation, building machines that increase our scientific understanding by taking images from space. Her vast achievements include the development of land mine detectors, satellite systems that help to monitor climate change, and infrared instruments for the upcoming deep-space James Webb telescope, scheduled to reach space in 2018. She has travelled the world with her research, and in 2009 was appointed an MBE for her dedication to science and science education.
A passionate science communicator and advocate of public engagement, Maggie founded Science Innovation Ltd, where she offers public engagement activities to show school children and adults the wonders of space science. She has presented several documentaries, including In Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World and Do We Really Need the Moon? and this year will join the presenting team of the astronomy series The Sky at Night. Inspired by the long-running show herself, Maggie tells the BBC;
“The opportunity to present The Sky At Night is like completing a circle and fulfilling a lifelong dream. Above all, it’s a huge honour to follow in the footsteps of Patrick Moore, a passionate advocate of the wonders of the night sky.
“As a child I would beg my parents to allow me to stay up late and watch the programme. It even inspired me to go to night school at a young age to make my own telescope mirror, which I lovingly crafted and gave me my first glimpse of the breath-taking spectacle above us.
“This enthusiasm eventually led to a degree in Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and then working on the wonderful 8m Gemini telescope in Chile. I’m so looking forward to being a part of this cherished and much loved institution.”
We look forward to seeing more of Maggie as she undoubtedly inspires many more young women to look to the skies.
The Valentina Project 