Announcing the Prospero Fellowship Class of 2023

Alisha Khan is an ambitious Computer Science Student, with an enthusiasm and interest for all things Technology and Space. She is currently working with the Science Museum group and as a tutor with the Tutor Trust alongside her studies. She has previously worked with the British Antarctic Survey to research wildlife using Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning to gather data. Whilst Alisha enjoys studying new topics, outside of work she enjoys gaming, reading and making art.

Becky Ball is a second-year student studying Mathematics with a minor in Spanish at Duke University, North Carolina, as a Karsh International Scholar. Originally from Chatham, Kent, she pursued higher education in the US following participation in the Sutton Trust US Programme. On campus, she is an active member of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), co-president of the Society of Physics Students, and a maths teaching assistant. Outside of academics, Becky loves music, escape rooms, and travelling.

Catherine is a third year Physics student at the University of Oxford, originally from the Wirral. She has been interested in space since secondary school and has loved applying this passion to her degree. Recently she completed a project where she built an astronomical spectrograph, visiting the Oxford physics department observatory and taking data. In her spare time, she loves athletics, and is vice-captain of her university athletics club, as well as social media sec for the cross-country club. She is also very passionate about access and outreach, particularly for women in STEM.

David is a final year law student at the University of Cambridge writing a dissertation on the impact of international space law on the developing world. Since 2020, David has been conducting research with the Space Generation Advisory Council, specifically on planetary protection, lunar governance, and use of commercial satellites in conflict. David recently served as Vice President of the Cambridge Union Society, the world’s oldest debating society. In this capacity he oversaw the international operations of a team of around one-hundred-and-fifty, in addition to a thriving restaurant and commercial events business.

Emma Holling is a physics student passionate about helping people see the value of the space industry, and their place within it. When she’s not studying or fencing, Emma enjoys undertaking outreach. Be it through publishing a paper at the IAC, working with her own outreach organisation, or explaining to her friends at the pub why space activities are vital to everyday life.

Georgina Powell is an Aerospace Engineering Student at the University of Liverpool. Her passion for rockets, particularly propulsion systems, stems from her belief that it is the key to advancing space exploration. Her aspiration is to make significant contributions to the space industry. In addition to her academic pursuits, Georgina has a range of interests. She is currently working towards her Private Pilot License. With a keen ear for music, Georgina is a musician who has performed with a band and choir. She also finds relaxation in observing the beauty of the universe through her telescope on clear nights.

Ilinca Pastia is a 3rd year MEng Aerospace Engineering Student at the University of Manchester. Her professional interests are Space Exploration, Earth Observation, In-Space Manufacturing, Robotics and Bioengineering. She is currently a volunteer in Machine Learning with the University of Manchester’s soft robotics research department. Also, along with the UoM Physics Outreach Society team, she performs physics experiments with younger generations, trying to encourage them go into the STEM field. Personal hobbies include Astrobiology, reading and baking. At the same time, she enjoys outdoor activities, especially if they involve exploring or nature.

Joel is a student in Aeronautics and Spacecraft Engineering at Imperial College London. He is passionate about the space sector and has had experience working at Clearspace and Ricardo, as well as being sponsored by ESA to attend IAC 2022 as an ISEB alumni for presenting his work on aerodynamics for space applications. He is also pursuing a second degree in Business and Economics at the National Online University of Spain. Creativity and curiosity are the two words that best define Joel. Out of work you will certainly find him either reading about History or Politics or doing some sports (Muay-Thai and skiing in particular).

Maya Oral is a second-year LLB student studying at Durham University with a strong interest in exploring the intricate intersection between technology and law. Her interest in these has led her to contribute to Facebook's (Meta) Data Protection research and collaborate with her university professor on Intellectual Property rights related to 3D printing. Being drawn to the space industry from a young age, she took on a voluntary role at the Space Generation Advisory Council in 2022 and seeks to further expand her knowledge in this area. In her leisure time, Maya enjoys experimenting with oil painting, indulging in the world of fiction (reading and writing), and trying out new-totally safe-activities.

Mila Spence is a second-year English Law and French Law LLB/Maitrise undergraduate studying at the University of Exeter. Living under some of the clearest skies in the UK, she has always been keen to protect them. Having a passion for outer space and a love for the environment, she is currently researching outer space sustainability, and has just submitted an abstract to the International Aeronautical Congress 2023 concerning the definition of sustainability in outer space legislation. Having had the privilege to work at a leading law firm in the satellite, space and telecommunications industry as well as go to Portugal in 2022 with the European Centre for Space Law, Mila is excited to build on her experience and continue her path into the space industry. During her free time, however, Mila is often found volunteering in the community or taking a cold dip in the sea.

Millie Craig is a third year MEng Aerospace Systems student at the University of Glasgow with a particular interest in sustainability within the aerospace sector. Outside of her studies, Millie manages over 120 students through her executive committee role at GU Rocketry - a project that designs, builds and flies high-powered rockets. Her passion for providing young girls with STEM role models has led her to organise outreach events at primary and secondary schools, volunteer for the UKSDC and provide tutoring for SQA candidates. In her spare time Millie is a keen netball player and Taylor Swift enthusiast.

Rachel Gould is a third year Manufacturing Engineering student at the University of Cambridge. Her love for real-world problem solving was piqued by her involvement with Cambridge University Spaceflight, leading to a degree specialisation combining engineering, business, strategy, and implementation. She is aiming to build on this through the Prospero fellowship and it’s dual focus on technical and business skills. Outside of engineering, Rachel coxes at her college boat club, and leads a number of STEM and Oxbridge access programmes.

Rebecca Wardle is finishing her 4th year of Computer Science at the University of York. Having long been passionate about space and rocketry she is the chair of York Aerospace and Rocketry (YAR) and looks forward to a career in aerospace. Rebecca has a particular interest in robotics and embedded systems, and has been trying to apply model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to YAR’s next generation of avionics. In her spare time she rock climbs, skis, and operates a homemade forge and furnace with her friends where they practise hot metal work.

Rowan is in his second year studying MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering at the University of Southampton. His interest in Space began at a young age watching Sci-Fi and attending astronomy talks with his father. Later on, after reading about innovations in the industry and producing a research essay on the Space Industry’s environmental sustainability this solidified his decision to pursue a career in this field. Believing that we shouldn’t sacrifice the Earth at the cost of our Space ambitions, he is driven to work on sustainable infrastructure to facilitate exciting ventures from Low Earth orbit and beyond. Furthermore, Rowan has been involved in efforts to initiate his University’s rocketry team through the role of Lead Avionics engineer. In his spare time Rowan enjoys: playing Trombone, engineering projects with fellow students, running, hiking expeditions and has recently taken up amateur photography.

Scott Nichol is currently studying Digital Security and Forensics at Glasgow Caledonian University with an interest in the software development aspect. Scott is also the president of the GCU Astronomy Society, aiming to promote participation and engagement in the space sector, and is also a keen amateur astronomer, imaging the solar system, stars and nebulae on the off chance that it’s not cloudy!

Scott Scoular is a second year undergraduate at the University of Oxford studying law. Having a longstanding interest in space (largely fuelled by Star Wars) and debating, he hopes to pursue a career in space law and policy. He is also currently helping set up a non-profit for LGBTQ+ people in the space sector called ‘Space Pride’. When not working, Scott enjoys swimming, D&D and currently rows for his college at Oxford.

Xiaoyao Yin is a third-year Physics student at Durham University with a keen interest in space exploration. Her involvement in High Altitude Balloon and TVC rocketry projects has kindled her passion for the space industry, particularly in the areas of Space Situational Awareness and Satellite Communications. Xiaoyao is an active committee member of the Royal Aeronautical Society ECS and Durham Spaceflight Society where she is leading the CanSat team of Mach23. Alongside her academic pursuits, she is also a published illustrator who uses her artwork to promote awareness of human rights issues.