I have a Master’s degree in International Relations from University of Melbourne and a Graduate Certificate in Space Operations from UNSW Canberra. Prior to this, I completed my undergraduate degrees in political science and French at Carleton University. Most recently, I completed the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program with the International Space University and University of South Australia.

I have a background in international relations. Space studies has always appealed to me and the opportunity arose when the Australian Government announced the higher education relief packages and I was able to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Space Operations at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra.

This course was made highly accessible as it was conducted completely online, which is what made my career transition largely possible. I took a keen interest in space because it was steep learning curve. I was constantly learning new things from orbital mechanics to satellite technology - it’s so incredible to think how much planning and precision goes into a rocket launch. That said, given my background in political science, I loved applying a geopolitical lens to how we view space from a security perspective and the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy. Following the graduate certificate, I was supported by the Andy Thomas Space Foundation in completing the Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program with the International Space University.

I was fortunate to land a role with the Defence, Aviation and Aerospace team at the State Government of Victoria, where I serve today.

There are so many ways to get involved in the space industry and it’s a growing sector - it takes all sorts of people, with all different kinds of skills and abilities. The sky’s not the limit!