Maggie is a scientist and broadcaster referred to as the BBC’s ‘face of space’.
She is the presenter of the astronomical institution The Sky at Night, has
fronted a number of space documentaries, and regularly appears on science
and non-science programmes.
From a modest background and diagnosed with dyslexia, Maggie overcame
the naysayers to study at Imperial College where she obtained her degree in
Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. After her studies, she toured
the UK speaking to inner-city schools about what scientists do, why they do
it, and how to be one with the aim of inspiring the next generation of
physicists.
Since then, she has spent her career making novel, bespoke instrumentation
in both the industrial and academic environments. These instruments have
ranged from hand-held land mine detectors to an optical subsystem for the
James Webb Space Telescope (the replacement for the Hubble space
telescope). She has worked for the MoD on missile warning systems, and for
aerospace giant EADS on a range of projects to monitor the earth’s
atmosphere.
Maggie is a research fellow and an Honorary Research Associate at
University College London, and continues to work to engage the public with
science. She augments her ‘Tours of the Universe’ presentations to young
and old with regular TV and radio appearances. As well as fronting The Sky
at Night, Maggie has appeared in programmes including Stargazing Live,
The Science of Doctor Who, and In Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World.
Maggie has said the achievements of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon
captured her imagination and drive to "get out there into space". In turn she
has engaged school children around the world. She credits her deep passion
for science as the tool that allowed her to break through social mobility
barriers.
Maggie also tackles science education and public understanding, and women
in science and engineering. She received an MBE for services to science and
science education. Maggie is an engaging and passionate speaker.
Her enthusiasm for science and learning is infectious.