With over 25 years of experience in education, science communication and public outreach, astrophysicist Dr. Simon Steel bridges the gulf between the complexities of modern space science and the public fascination with the wonders of the Universe.  An award-winning lecturer and teacher, Simon has presented on all aspects of the cosmos, from black holes to aliens to Stonehenge, at museums, universities, NASA centers and aboard cruise ships. As part of the SETI Institute Outreach team, he regularly hosts the online science magazine SETI Live and has represented the Institute at business, consular and industry events worldwide.

 

Simon is Deputy Director of the Carl Sagan Center for Research at the SETI Institute. As an observational astrophysicist, he specialized in optical spectrophotometry, with an interest in the star formation histories of galaxies.  Simon has held lectureships at Harvard University, University College London and University College Dublin, and is an eight-time recipient of Harvard’s Certificate of Distinction in Teaching award for undergraduate education. Originally from England, Simon is a qualified science teacher, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and member of the International Astronomical Union.