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STEM Faculty

Meet the people who make up STEM Faculty.

Simon Sheridan

Simon Sheridan

Senior Research Fellow

physical-sciences

Research interests

My research interests include the design, development, and operation of instrumentation to aid the understanding of the chemical composition of Solar System bodies.  I am particularly interested in the characterisation of volatiles contained in the lunar regolith, and their application to In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU).  Currently, I am the science lead developing the EMS-L mass spectrometer for the JAXA LUPEX mission which will measure volatiles released from excavated sub-surface materials at the south pole of the moon in 2028.

Teaching interests

I am passionate about teaching and currently serve as Co-Chair of Y033, the Open Universities STEM Access course that introduces students to university study and prepares them for studying STEM subjects at degree level.  I am also an Associate Lecturer for the SPS288 Remote Experiments in Physics and Space, the Open Universities practical science module that includes remote experiments in astronomy, physics and planetary Science

Impact and engagement

I am a passionate STEM ambassador, and enjoy interacting with local school, exhibitions, and the media. Some highlights include:

  • ESERO-UK Tim Peake Primary Project (TPPP) Space Ambassador
  • ESERO-UK Polar Ambassador
  • Interviews on national television and radio including the Sky at Night and
  • Delivering space related CPD to primary school STEM teachers
  • Delivering public talks
  • Delivering enrichment sessions for local schools