Samuel Nathan Richards

Career Success

Samuel's degree took him out of this world. He has worked for NASA in the USA as a Mission Director and Instrument Scientist, and he is currently the Spaceflight Operations Engineer at Ispace Inc, a lunar robotic exploration company based in Japan.

'Pursuing a career in astronomy is highly competitive but incredibly exciting. Opportunities in these industries are truly global and roles are very diverse. I didn't know I'd end up working at NASA, but I took all opportunities as they arose.'

Samuel's research work has led him to look at mid/far-infrared studies of star formation and protoplanetary evolution. He has also worked on developments in astronomical instrumentation to make space operations more efficient.

Memories of Herts

'I would not be where I am without the opportunities that were available while studying at the University of Hertfordshire. From extracurricular projects to connections with other world-ranking universities. I'm thankful to the University for its guidance and support that kickstarted my career.'

'When in the sixth form, I discovered how strong the University of Hertfordshire's astronomy department was, I felt that this was an environment that I could thrive in.'

'The lecturers are world-class active astronomers, so each class is dynamic to the ever-changing knowledge of their respective fields of research. Their willingness to accept keen students for extracurricular research projects gave me early first-hand experience of the career I was about to launch myself into. Their international connections opened a path for me to do a research year at the University of Sydney, where I would later return to complete a PhD!'

Advice for other students

'Find what you enjoy and do that, over money, status and fame. There are many routes to where I am now, my colleagues come from very different backgrounds: astronomy, electrical and mechanical engineering, and computer science, and that is just within my role, let alone all the other roles under the umbrella of organisations like NASA. I'm still learning, developing, and taking on new opportunities!'