From subsea to Space School: Lecturer sees gap for outreach

Robert Gordon University lecturer Sue Fairburn is playing a key role in the Skills Development Scotland's Scottish Space School visit to Houston, Texas, as 14 young people from across Scotland are given the chance to visit NASA's Space Centre.

Fairburn is originally from Western Canada and has a background in the study of environmental physiology and environmental design, now a lecturer in product design at Gray's School of Art. As a Design Advisor to Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Fairburn is working to develop a new model for the Scottish Space School and sees some big opportunities for the North East of Scotland to become more involved.

Fairburn says: "I'd like to see the Space School become more accessible for all. I think the study of space technology is particularly relevant here in Aberdeen, the oil capital of Europe, as a lot of the technology used in space is similar to that needed for subsea exploration. It's all related to closed loop living - right down to safety suits, the support that humans need in order to survive in remote settings is the same whether they are subsea, in space, or even in Antarctica."

The ten S5 pupils and four modern apprentices taking part in this week's Space School were selected on the basis of their academic abilities, career interests, and interpersonal skills. As an extra-curricular project, students typically have completed a space module and put forward a written submission about their career aspirations. As well as visiting NASA's Space Centre, they will have the chance to rub shoulders with astronauts, engineers, and flight surgeons at a variety of events and workshops.

In the future, Fairburn would like to pilot a Space Day for the whole of Scotland in Aberdeen, allowing students with a range of abilities to take part in an exciting event. She said: "We are trying to break down that barrier that makes young people think that the study of space is unattainable. It's a very broad subject which can help to set the context for a range of different teachings and the scope for learning about technology and science is endless."

At this year's Space School, North East industry will be represented by firms such as Wood Group. This presence is intended to educate the young people attending on the role that industry has to play and see that space isn't just all about NASA.

The Scottish Space School seeks to inspire young Scots to pursue science related courses of study, and consider careers in science and technology. Fairburn is looking to link up with academics with range of different backgrounds who are involved in study in a global sense, that might be relevant to space. This could be anything from global media, to geography, politics, physiotherapy or architecture. Contact Sue for more information on: 01224 263657; or via s.fairburn@rgu.ac.uk .