Famous Dyslexics: Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, Space Scientist and Science Communicator

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, Space Scientist and Science Communicator. Studied Physics and gained an additional PhD in Mechanical Engineering. She worked for the UK MoD Defense Evaluation Research Agency (DERA) on a Missile Warning System for the RAF. (DERA is now a self-governing business known as QinetiQ.)

This was an 'on-board' system to alert fighter pilots that a heat-seeking missile was zeroing in on them and to automatically launch hot 'flares' to divert the heat seeking missiles away from the jet fighters.

Following this position she took up a promoted post as a Landmine Detection Group Manager. Managing a team of experts who were seeking and dis-arming landmines in countries were military conflict had been terminated but buried munitions remained a danger to the local people.

Recently this dangerous task has been taken on by specially trained dogs, who are able to sniff out the traces of explosives, even when they are buried. (To read more on these dogs click on this link)

Dr Aderin-Pocock's entry into the heady world of space science followed a brief period back in academic study, gaining the knowledge she needed to fulfill her ambitions.

She started working on ground-based space monitoring, capture or recording instruments required for the Gemini telescope in Chile. It was many years before she could advance into the more technically-demanding sector of space-based instruments.

The transcript of the video of Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock's talking about her career profile is available online at the Vitae site, simply click on this link.