Rocket Science: Becoming a Rocket Scientist by Leon Vanstone, Imperial College London

Leon will be giving an interactive talk on how he became a rocket scientist. He has nearly completed his PhD in the Aerodynamics Department at Imperial College London. He will talk about his research using the Imperial Number 2 Gun Tunnel, the future of flying to space and if we will ever get to Australia in 4 hours.

Leon will also discuss why he chose rocket science from all the other engineering possibilities. He will consider why people might choose a career in science and why he thinks it’s important. Finally Leon might touch upon the controversy of the Mars One programme and the idea of a one way ticket to the red planet.

Suitable for: Year 10 & Year 11

Preparation/Pre-reading: It will be helpful for students to consider questions in advance relating to studying this subject area at university and what a career might look like.