Research

I have worked for over 20 years as an observational astronomer using X-ray, optical and near-infrared data to study the properties and immediate environment of massive central cluster galaxies and powerful radio sources at intermediate redshift. This research has been carried out alongside – and later eclipsed by – a growing role in the public communication of science.

Career

2011 - present  Professor of Astronomy, Gresham College, London

2005 - present  Outreach Officer at the Institute of Astronomy

2004 - present  Fellow, Admissions Tutor & College Lecturer, Emmanuel College

2002 - 2004  Associate lecturer in Astronomy, Newnham College

1996 - 2007  Royal Society University Research Fellow, IoA, Cambridge

1994 - 1996  PPARC Advanced Fellow, IoA, Cambridge

1991 - 1994  Junior Research Fellow, Trinity Hall, Cambridge

1991 - 1994  SERC postdoctoral fellow, IoA, Cambridge

1988 - 1991  Skynner-Radcliffe research fellow in Astronomy, Balliol College, Oxford

Awards and Prizes

I received the UKRC's  Outstanding Women of Achievement award for the Communication of SET with a contribution to society in 2009.