Cruise Ship Speakers | Astronomy & Space Science

Cruise Ship Speakers Astronomy & Space Science

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		Raymond Arvidson Planetary Scientist, Geologist & Astronomer James S McDonnell University Professor

Coming from:		Saint Louis, Missouri USA

Raymond Arvidson received a Ph.D. from Brown University in 1974. He is presently the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor Washington University in St. Louis, and Director of the Earth and Planetary Remote Sensing Laboratory. He focuses on teaching and research about current and past environments on the Earth, Mars, and Venus. Arvidson has lectured (and engaged passengers in numerous conversations) on planetary geology and astronomy, local and global geology, climate change, oceans, and how study of other planets fits into a better understanding of the Earth.


		David Baker Aerospace/Aviation/Military History & Espionage PhD, IAA, FBIS, FRHhistS

Coming from:		Brede, Nr. Rye, East Sussex UK

British born, Dr David Baker has had a lifelong involvement with the NASA space programme, helping send men to the Moon in the 1960's, working to develop the re-usable Shuttle in the 1970's, helping countries around the world use space applications in their everyday lives during the 1980's, advising on space policy during the 1990's and lecturer and historian in the new century. An award-winning author David has written more than 100 books, academic and popular, on many aspects of science, aviation, space, defence and astronomy and the development of the technologies and the politics that underpinned the Cold War.


		Dan Benedict Astronomer & Astronomical Historian Journalist, Educator, FRAS

Coming from:		Dayton, TN USA

Astronomy journalist and educator Dan Benedict's interest in astronomy began at an early age and he is an avid practitioner of naked-eye astronomy, observing those celestial objects and phenomena that can be easily seen by the casual stargazer with the unaided eye. Selected as a participating journalist for a 1998 total solar eclipse cruise, Dan developed a particular interest in astronomy in the unique environment found aboard cruise ships, which he has been sharing with passengers ever since. An avid member of the Travelers' Century Club, he has sailed to more than 150 countries.


		Harriet Brettle Planetary Science & Space B.Sc. PG Cert, FRAS

Coming from:		Pasadena, California USA

Harriet is a PhD student in planetary sciences at the California Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on Jupiter and the Galilean moons; she is currently observing Europa using the Keck telescope on Hawaii and, separately, modelling storms on Jupiter their stability. As an active science communicator, Harriet is passionate about sharing her enthusiasm for space exploration with the public. She has covered the space industry for a number of organizations and regularly gives talks ranging from stand-up pub talks to school workshops.


		Frank Buzzard Astronomy and Space Exploration

Coming from:		Vail, Colorado USA

Frank Buzzard spent a distinguished 30 year career with NASA at the Johnson Space Center retiring in 2003 after leading the NASA Columbia Accident Investigation Task Force. He then served as Program Manager for the International Space Station (ISS) Mission Integration Contract from 2003-2005. During his NASA career Mr. Buzzard served as Chief Engineer of the Space Shuttle, Chief Engineer of the ISS, and ISS Program Director/Senior System Integration Manager at NASA HQ. Mr Buzzard loves talking about Astronomy and Space Exploration.


		Valerie Calderbank Astronomy BSc, MBCS, CEng, CITP, FRAS

Coming from:		Wantage, Oxfordshire UK

Valerie graduated in Physics from King's College, London where she specialised in Nuclear Physics and Biophysics. When she took early retirement in the 1990s, she was able to pursue her lifelong interest in Astronomy and bought her own telescope. In recent years Valerie has put her knowledge to practical use by giving numerous talks on Astronomy. In recognition of this The Royal Astronomical Society appointed her as a Fellow in 2011.


		Edmund Derbyshire Space & Satellites MBA, DBA

Coming from:		Havant, Hampshire UK

Ed first learned to walk on a ship bound for Australia where he spent seven years before returning to the UK in 1967 where he attended the local grammar school. In 1975 he joining the Merchant Navy as a Radio Officer before entering the space industry for the next 30 years working with a number of major satellite design, launch and operation companies. Ed is a capable and experienced speaker and is very keen to share his experiences with people in a friendly and easily digestable way.


		Ken Kelly US Manned Space Programme: Mercury - Gemini - Apollo BSc, PGCE

Coming from:		Leamington Spa, Warwickshire UK

Ken started his working life as a teacher and lecturer and taught Mathematics in the UK and Malaysia. Returning to the UK Ken swapped teaching for High Performance Sport. Awarded an Olympic Coach Scholarship in 1992, he has worked for a number of the UK�s leading sports bodies. As a counter-point to his professional work, Ken has studied the US and Soviet manned space programmes extensively, from Mercury to the Space Shuttle, Vostok to Soyuz. Ken is an experienced, innovative and engaging presenter having spoken extensively at conferences in the UK and abroad.


		John Maclean Astronomy & Astrophysics FRAS (Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society)

Coming from:		Exeter, Devon UK

John is an experienced Science Communicator in the fields of Astronomy and Astrophysics and is an award winning Astro Photographer. He has a special interest in Cometary science and is a member of the UK Meteor Monitoring Network as well as participating as a communicator for NASA and ESA space missions. John is an experienced presenter with an engaging and humorous style accompanied with extremely professional graphic and audio presentations. John has the ability to communicate scientific concepts in a way that the audience both enjoys and understands. He is also able to provide "Stargazing" nights on board and can lead Aurora expeditions.


		David (Michael) Mannion Astronomer PhD

Coming from:		Canterbury, Kent UK

David Mannion is a highly qualified teacher with 26 years teaching experience including The Open University (12 years), Schools and Colleges and with overseas teaching experience in two International Schools. He has degrees in astronomy and is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (elected in 1984). He has sat on the RAS Education Committee and has given numerous lectures on Astronomy to the general public over the last 30 years.


		Michael Martin-Smith Astronomer & Space Scientist

Coming from:		Hull, East Yorkshire UK

Michael is retired from General Medical Practice. He has over 25 years experience in lecturing, broadcasting and presenting talks on Space and Astronomical subjects. He presents his positive, upfront and exhilarating lectures to a variety of audiences and is a member of several astronomical/ astronautical societies. He can also give demonstrations and guidance on the use of astronomical instruments.


		Dan Ostler Enrichment Speaker - Destinations Biophysics

Coming from:		Kemble, Ontario Canada

Dan Ostler graduated in Biophysics from the University of Waterloo and pursued a career in medical radiation physics. Working in the areas of forefront research and product design, Dan travelled internationally staging leading-edge seminars focusing on the implications of the latest medical imaging advances. Now in retirement Dan is a perennial shipboard favorite, presenting entertaining informative lectures on cruises all over the world. His dynamic presentations weave the charms of the destinations with the applicable science, history and anthropology.


		Howard Parkin Astronomer & Space Historian BSc. FRAS

Coming from:		Onchan, Isle of Man UK

Howard, inspired by the first astronauts and the "Space Race" back in the early 60's, has been an astronomer and space enthusiast most of his life. He is a fully trained teacher and has been teaching astronomy and Astronautics to adult education classes since 1985. He is a member of the British Astronomical (BAA) and was a founder member of the Isle of Man Astronomical Society in 1989. Howard has been an accomplished speaker on cruise ships over many years.


		Glenn Patrick Physics, Cosmology & Earth Sciences BSc, PhD, CPhys, FInstP, FRAS

Coming from:		Wantage, Oxfordshire UK

Glenn is a particle physicist who has spent most of his career working on large international experiments using accelerators at the CERN Laboratory in Geneva. Glenn is based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory where he is now an Honorary Scientist and is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Portsmouth, where he teaches. Glenn regularly gives public talks to a wide variety of audiences and specialises in explaining the concepts of physics, cosmology and astronomy in everyday language.


		Paul Riley Popular Science, Astronomy & Food Science BSc, MSc, PhD

Coming from:		Wirral, UK

After academic life reading chemistry Paul joined Unilever�s Personal Care Products Group. He has talks on the history of everyday products, often humorous with amusing anecdotes, that we use on a daily basis thinking little about them: tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, sugar, makeup, deodorants, toothpaste and soap. For the festive season Paul has talks on the history of our Christmas traditions. With his academic background he has talks on astronomy but from the perspective of chemistry � looking at the world around us how did its building blocks and those for life originate?


		Dave Roberts Anthropologist & Historian Central & South American History

Coming from:		La Mesa, California USA

Dr. Dave Roberts holds a BA in anthropology/cognitive science from Southern Illinois University and a doctorate from United States International University. He worked in the field of applied anthropology for over 35 years, and his area of expertise included Central and South America. Since retirement in 2010, Dr. Roberts has worked as a docent, photographer, and curator at several museums in the San Diego area designing new exhibits, giving tours of the museum, and functioning as the museum�s event and curatorial photographer. He regularly speaks on cruise ship, on various topics including anthropology, and local and global historical events.


		Alan Smith Space, Astronomy & Science PhD, FRAS, FAPM

Coming from:		Cranleigh, Surrey UK

Professor Alan Smith is the Director of the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, part of University College London. He has been working in space science for more than 35 years and has been involved with space mission involving all of the major space agencies including NASA, the European Space Agency, Japan, Russia and China. His current interests include astrophysics, planetary science and satellite instrumentation. Alan's talks are highly visual in nature, based upon astronomy and space science images and photography.


		Michael Smith Astronomy Professor of Astronomy, PhD, FRAS

Coming from:		Herne Bay, Kent UK

Michael Smith is Professor of Astronomy at the University of Kent, Director of the Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science and Director of the Kent Space School. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a member of the International Astronomical Union. He studied at Imperial College, London, and Magdalen College, Oxford. He has written two books, over 200 scientific papers and is Editor-in-Chief of an international journal. He has contributed to television, radio and newspapers, acted as expert witness, and held many public lectures.


		Ben Still Physics & Science MPhys PhD AMInstP PCHE

Coming from:		London, UK

Ben is a national multi-award-winning science communicator, scientist, and author. Not your average scientist; Ben uses clear visuals and everyday metaphors, allowing all audiences to appreciate the beauty of even the most abstract of sciences. An experienced speaker, he enthralls audiences of all ages through engaging talks and hands on LEGO� workshops. His books have been translated into multiple languages and are finding success around the globe.


		Dr James Teslow Space Science, Astronomy & Engineering PhD Rockets, Star-gazing

Coming from:		Camano Island, Washington USA

Dr. James Teslow is an educator who also practiced aerospace engineering for 30 years. He obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, and two Masters degrees and a PhD at the University of Colorado. His engineering positions included work in the areas of liquid and solid rocket propulsion system analysis and design, launch support, new technology research, and business development. James has taught several classroom and online courses in educational technology, research methods, and instructional development as an adjunct professor.


		Lou Thieblemont Aviation Former Airline Pilot, Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, PA

Coming from:		Camp Hill, PA USA

Lou Thieblemont has always been fascinated by the sky. Even before graduating from New York Institute of Technology, he was working for Air France Flight Dispatch at JFK airport making computerized flight plans. After graduation, he worked for 37 years as a commercial airline pilot, first for TWA and then for American Airlines when the two carriers merged. Since his retirement Lou has been an active volunteer for a number of organisations and offers a series of talks on topics as diverse as astronomy, aviation, Antarctic exploration, optical illusions, and computer graphics.


		Robert Turner Astronomy & Astro Physics Earth Sciences & Archaeology

Coming from:		Worthing, West Sussex UK

University and further education teacher in Astronomy and Archaeology Bob Turner has over 50 years experience in Astronomy and 10 years experience in pre history Archaeology and Lithics. As a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a 50 year plus member of the British Astronomical Association he has toured all over the World co lecturing with Patrick Moore. He has also acted as tour guide on many occasions in his pursuit of total eclipses with three different tour companies. Bob has run many courses up and down the UK for amateurs and semi professional Astronomers and is often found lecturing on cruise ships.


		Prof. Chandra Wickramasinghe Astronomy, Astrobiology & Life in the Universe MA, PhD, ScD, FRAS, FRSA

Coming from:		Cardiff, Wales UK

Professor Wickramasinghe is a world-renowned astronomer who has made important contributions to the theory of cosmic dust. Together with the late Sir Fred Hoyle he pioneered the modern theory of panspermia which argues for life being a cosmic phenomenon. He is an award winning poet, and the author of over 22 books and 350 scientific papers. He has held professional appointments in a large number of universities and has at one time been advisor to the President of Sri Lanka. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.


		Sir Arnold Wolfendale Physics & Astronomy 14th Astronomer Royal

Coming from:		Durham, County Durham UK

Sir Arnold Wolfendale is an astrophysicist who is still actively engaged in research. He was President of the Royal Astronomical Society from 1981 � 1983, the Institute of Physics from 1994 � 1996, and was the 14th Astronomer Royal from 1991 � 1995. He was President of the European Physical Society. A prominent feature of his presentations is his humour, and the fact that all in attendance are given an authgraphed, crested, 'Astronomer Royal' photograph.


		Alan Wright Astronomy & Physical Sciences BSc, PhD, FASA

Coming from:		Wynyard, Tasmania Australia

Alan Wright has been a professional research astronomer for over 50 years, much of that time as the Chief Astronomer & Head of Operations at the world-famous Parkes Observatory in Australia, known to many as �The Dish�. He is a multiple graduate of London University and has worked in Canada, the USA and several European countries, as well as in Australia. Recently retired, he retains his passion for astronomy and takes a very active interest in all modern astronomical discoveries. He is also a dynamic and popular speaker who specialises in making �tricky� scientific subjects understandable to everybody.


		Stephanie Yardley Astronomy & Solar Physics PhD, MPhys, BSc, FRAS

Coming from:		St Andrews, Fife UK

Stephanie is a PhD student at UCL�s Department of Space and Climate Physics based at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in Surrey and studies magnetic activity on the Sun�s surface. The Sun�s magnetic field can be highly concentrated in patches known as active regions. The understanding of what drives these structures to become unstable and erupt would hugely benefit space weather prediction. Stephanie is very enthusiastic about her research and loves to share this with the public by giving talks, writing articles and visiting schools.

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