My Brilliant Career: Avid astronomer preaches the gospel of science
Tell me about AstroComms.
It offers services such as public/corporate talks, communications training and social media management for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) practitioners. We also do consulting on STEM education, transformation, diversity and inclusion by providing expert insights and knowledge, for example as a technical consultant for screenwriters working on a sci-fi script.
What is the best way to encourage young people to pursue STEM subjects?
STEM is for everyone. In general there is a lot of interest in STEM subjects and careers. But they need to be supported at home and at school. We should ensure parents and teachers are aware of what STEM subjects and careers are available to young people so they can give the necessary guidance and support.
What does a typical work day look like?
At the moment I still work as a research scientist, while I get AstroComms in shape to be my main focus. I am an astronomer, using telescopes in space and on the ground to study stars in other galaxies. So my typical work day is spent checking e-mails, doing data analysis and writing up my findings. AstroComms takes up my evenings and weekends. There’s no typical day, because my clients are not in one time zone and each project is so different. Early-morning video conferences, late-night Skype meetings and e-mails being answered at 1am happen from time to time.
What drew you to this career?
I have always been interested in science and I decided to become an astronomer at age 11. Over the course of my studies and my research career I became passionate about communicating science to the general public and especially young people. AstroComms is a way to combine my expertise with my love of science communication. What makes your job meaningful?
Being able to showcase the fantastic STEM advancement happening in SA and Africa. It’s important to dispel Afropessimism and show SA, as well as the world, that we have the capability, opportunities and resources to carry out world-leading STEM endeavours and that anyone can contribute and be involved.
What is the best career advice you’ve received; who from? “Work smarter, not harder.” This is something I heard somewhere randomly and I told my PhD supervisor, Prof Tom Maccarone, it would be my strategy for my PhD. He said the quote is actually from the TV show Duck Tales and it was spoken by Scrooge McDuck to his three nephews.