About me |
Graduating with a degree in Physics, I decided to pursue my interest in space research by embarking on an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield University, England. The course included a group and an individual project where I focused my research on the application of electric (ion) propulsion systems.
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| The individual project was undertaken at the University of Pisa as part of a student exchange on the ERASMUS program. I spent five months at the Centro Spazio laboratory working on a mission and system optimisation study using high performance electric propulsion systems for a multiple mainbelt asteroid rendezvous mission. |
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Then, I undertook a second MSc in Computer Based Information Systems. While on the course, I applied for a PhD in Physics at the Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Sciences, University of Kent.
My PhD research looked at 'Hypervelocity impacts on water ice'. This involved creating laboratory scale impacts using a two-stage light gas gun capable of accelerating projectiles to 7 km s -1. |
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| The results were then used to try and understand cratering on the icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn. This was achieved using a technique known as Pi-scaling. |
| Conducting research for my PhD was only part of the picture as it also involved writing papers for referred journals as well as presenting them at conferences, notably at COSPAR in Warsaw, Poland and the Lunar & Planetary Science Conference in Houston, USA. About this time I joined 'The Planetary Society'. |
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| On completion of my PhD, I continued researching hypervelocity impacts as a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA). This research was funded through the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). About this time I became a fellow to the Royal Astronomical Society. |
At this time, I became a member of the Kent Amateur Rocket Team (KART) as part of the rocket structure team. The rocket was made out of carbon fibre so to be strong yet light. I was captivated by the physical and asthetic properties of the material and I now have a small hobby workshop to make various items from carbon and kevlar. |
My life as a PDRA ended due to funding cuts. I decided to pursue a career in teaching as a physics teacher. After completing my training, I was offered a position as an IGCSE & IB Physics teacher in a private school in Athens, Greece, which is the home and birth place of my wife. |
After more than five years as a qualified teacher, I have reached a point in my life of wishing to continue my original goals in life. Teaching has come to be very rewarding both as a source of funds and more importantly to pass on my knowledge and passion for the subject. For these reasons, I offer private lessons to students of IGCSE & IB Physics. |