All of the team at Our Space Our Future would like to extend a huge congratulations to Dr Sheila Kanani on being awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in this year’s New Year’s Honour’s list, for her services to astronomy and to diversity in physics!

Sheila is a friend of Our Space Our Future and has been an integral part of our International Stakeholder Group. We are so happy that she has been a part of this fantastic journey with us, and we could not be more proud that the great work she has done is being recognised. 

Since graduating from the University of Manchester in 2006 with a degree in Physics with Astrophysics,  Sheila has not stopped! From searching for exoplanets in Australia and firing pulsars into space, to teaching physics in the classroom and performing stand up comedy, even going to NASA’s space camp, Shelia certainly has some stories to tell! And when Shelia talks about space, you can not help but be captivated! 

In an interview, Sheila has spoken about how seeing Tom Hanks in the movie “Apollo 13” inspired her to pursue a career in space science, and now it it amazing to think how many young minds she has encouraged to follow their dreams and join her on a path toward a career in the space sector and in STEM. 

Currently, Sheila is doing fantastic work with the Royal Astronomical Society in London, as their    Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer, as well as presenting on British television and publishing a number of books for young people interested in space and science. 

We can not wait to see what the future holds for Sheila, but whatever it is, it will be out of this world!

Congratulations Sheila Kanani from all of the Our Space Our Future team.    

Find out more about Dr Sheila Kanani in the video below