Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Andy Newsam: Director

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Background

I studied Computational Physics at Warwick University, then moved into astronomy with a PhD at Glasgow, where I researched galaxy motion and what it tells us about the universe's density. Later, I worked at Southampton, using telescopes around the world and in space, which sparked my interest in observational astronomy. In 1998, I joined LJMU to help launch the educational side of the Liverpool Telescope, now The Schools' Observatory, and I've stayed involved ever since.

 

Favourite Astronomical Object

Probably the Pleiades, because seeing them in the evening sky tells me that it is going to be a good clear night.

 

About Me

At school, I enjoyed both science and drama. Science became my job, but I still enjoy theatre. I don’t act much now, but I help backstage—mostly with lighting design. I’ve also been part of more unusual performances, including co-founding a group called the Butlers.

 

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Stacey Habergham-Mawson: Project Manager

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Background

I earned a master’s degree in Astrophysics in 2008 and spent a year in teacher training to better understand school life. Then I returned to astrophysics, completing a PhD and a postdoc studying supernova explosions—when massive stars explode at the end of their lives. Alongside this, I’ve worked in school outreach, sharing my love of astronomy with young people. I joined The Schools' Observatory in 2014 and enjoy helping more students and teachers explore space.

 

Favourite Astronomical Object

I am biased from my research, but I would have to say the merging galaxy system known as Arp 299 – 2 huge galaxies, like our own Milky Way, which have collided with such energy that it has sparked a burst of star formation in the centre. A typical galaxy like the Milky Way will produce one supernova every ~100 years – Arp 299 has had 7 since 1992!

 

About Me

I enjoy nature, walking, and photography—especially of flowers and birds. I have a small family and a dog named Bumble, after the cricket commentator. I’m a vegetarian and love growing my own fruit and veg, and hope to one day run a smallholding. I’m a big fan of American Football and support the Baltimore Ravens. I like to be creative when I can and craft. My biggest passion is sustainability and being kind to the planet.

 

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Alison Keen: Development and Marketing Officer

Background

I studied Computer Studies and spent about ten years building websites and supporting small businesses and community groups with their online presence. I joined The Schools' Observatory in 2012 as Development and Marketing Officer. I help people access tools and information that are usually limited to professionals. I really enjoy what I do—though astronauts might think they have the better job!

 

Favourite Astronomical Object

At the moment it's the Horsehead nebula, thanks to the latest images taken by Hubble but as there is so much up there I am sure that will change in a month or two.

 

About Me

I really enjoy baking, and friends and family say my cakes taste good—so I get plenty of practice. I’m a big fan of Doctor Who and other sci-fi shows and films. My favourite thing is going on holiday. There’s a small port in Mallorca I love visiting, and I’ve taken dozens of photos of the sunset there between two hills.

 

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Chris Leigh: Strategic Projects' Coordinator

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Background

After leaving school, I spent eight years in the RAF, where I did a lot of training and completed two search and rescue tours in the UK. After that, I wanted a new challenge, so I studied Astrophysics at the University of St Andrews. I earned a first-class degree and stayed on for a PhD in the then-new field of exoplanet research. I joined LJMU in 2004, soon began working on The Schools' Observatory, and have been involved ever since. I feel lucky to work with a great team focused on inspiring young people in science and astronomy.

 

Favourite Astronomical Object

Oh, but there are so, so many to chose from. Anyone that has experienced a clear, moonless night in the Australian outback and made the mistake of looking up will know how difficult a task this is. That said, for sheer beauty and mystery, I would probably go for an HST image of the Sombrero Galaxy, or M104 to its friends.

 

About Me

Life is busy—there never seems to be enough time in the day. I met my wife Jenny at St Andrews, and we now have three young sons. We live in the Scottish countryside, and when the boys are older, I hope to get back into hiking and cycling. I look forward to watching a full Columbo film without toys flying past or needing to switch to kids' TV. I still feel lucky to be paid to look at the night sky. With new technology, we’re seeing more of the universe than ever, and I find the pursuit of knowledge far more satisfying than money.

 

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Mohamed Daoud (Soli): Development and Engagement Officer

Background

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I was the youngest in my family and always curious. At age 8, I was reading my brother’s physics books—starting with 'The First Three Minutes.' That early interest grew into a passion for explaining science simply. At university, I became known for breaking down complex ideas, and I later won the Famelab science communication competition. That helped me see science communication as a career. I’ve led outreach programs, worked at science centres in Egypt and the UK, and taken part in over 20 science festivals in 8 countries. I’ve also developed workshops, created content, written for newspapers, and helped manage science TV shows. My studies include Geology, a Master’s in Science Communication, and research in Nanotechnology and magnetars—highly magnetic neutron stars. Now at The Schools’ Observatory, I help schools access over 20 robotic telescopes. I believe in learning something new every day and sharing that excitement with others.

My guiding philosophies are simple: learn something new every day and inspire as many people as I can. Science communication gives me that superpower, and I hope to leave a legacy that shines like the stars, long after I’m gone.

 

Favourite Astronomical Object

The Sirius Star. In ancient Egyptian culture, Sirius signaled the annual flooding of the Nile—life-giving and transformative, much like my passion for learning and inspiring others. 

 

About Me

I’m a big sports fan—especially football, tennis, and basketball—and once even played Quidditch. I enjoy sci-fi films and series, love board games, and follow the latest in tech. I used to scuba dive, particularly in Egypt’s Blue Hole, though I’ve had to pause since moving to the UK. I still love to travel and have visited over 60 countries. When I’m not exploring the world, I’m usually playing action RPGs. I’ve lived in Egypt, the UK, and Malta—but space has always felt like home.

 

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Georgia Hurst: Observational Data and Development Officer

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Background

I’ve loved looking at the night sky since I was young. At school, science was a favourite subject, especially physics. It wasn’t seen as a typical ‘girls’ subject, but that only made me more determined. I earned a master’s degree in Astrophysics in 2018, but didn’t know what to do next. I ended up working at the high school I’d attended, which led me to discover how much I enjoyed teaching. I trained and became a physics teacher, spending four years in the classroom. I especially liked helping students who found the subject difficult and watching their confidence grow. But I missed working directly with astronomy. When I saw a chance to join The Schools’ Observatory, I took it. The role combines my interests in teaching and space.

 

Favourite Astronomical Object

Whilst there are many pretty deep sky objects (like galaxies or nebulae), I prefer things that I can see without always needing to set up a telescope! I like searching for the different constellations in the sky. My favourite is Cassiopeia – five bright stars that form a ‘W’ shape. It’s an easy constellation to spot, and one of the first that I taught my boyfriend how to find. We still always look for it whenever we go camping together.

 

About Me

I enjoy being outdoors, though I hadn’t camped until I was 27. A spontaneous trip to Bala changed that, and now I often go hiking—though uphill is still not my favourite! I collect interesting rocks and crystals and keep them at home. I also enjoy photography, especially astrophotography, and have my own telescope. I once managed to photograph the aurora while camping. I’m also interested in neurodiversity. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 24, later than usual. For a long time, I didn’t understand why I found some tasks harder than others. Now I know my brain works a bit differently. I can be forgetful, lose focus, or speak quickly, but learning about ADHD helped me understand myself better. I try to be kind to myself and share my experiences to help others too.

 

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