Dr Sheila Kanani is a British astronomer, space comedian and Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer at the Royal Astronomical Society. In this episode of the Astro Ben Podcast, part of the Diversity in the Space Industry series, hear what she has to say about being a woman in the space industry and inspiring young people to pursue careers in space.
They also cover Saturn, her diversity work for the RAS, the LGBTQ+ physical sciences center, challenges at university including microaggressions and mansplaining, the book How to Be an Astronaut, advice for people who want space careers and what it means to be a space comedian.
What you will hear in this episode
Saturn
Life as Education, Outreach and Diversity Officer at the Royal Astronomical Society
Dr Kanani’s background
Diversity work for the RAS, and the LGBTQ+ physical sciences center
Challenges at university as a woman, including microaggressions and mansplaining
The book How to Be an Astronaut, and diversity’s influence
Advice for people who want careers in the space industry
Astronomy, telescopes and programming
Dr Kanani’s predictions for the future of the space industry
What it means to be a space comedian
Follow Dr Sheila Kanani
Sheila on X | Royal Astronomical Society on Instagram
Listen to the Astro Ben Podcast
Libsyn | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
More episodes: Prof Chris Welch on diversity in space | Moriba Jah on space environmentalism | All Astro Ben Podcast episodes
New space interviews every week. Look up. Listen in.