First Briton in space and renowned scientist inspires young people in St Neots
Helen Sharman CMG OBE, astronaut and the first Briton and Western European woman in space, met students and teachers at Longsands Academy in St Neots this week. Helen visited the school in her capacity as Imperial College London’s UK Outreach Ambassador, to speak about her experience in space, her career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to talk about potential careers in STEM and university life.
Helen became Britain’s first astronaut on 18th May 1991, when she launched into space for an eight day mission, living and working on the Mir space station orbiting the Earth. Since her return to Earth, Helen Sharman has been committed to sharing her experiences and inspiring young people. As Imperial’s UK Outreach Ambassador, she is involved in a wide range of outreach activities, advocating the power of STEM to solve complex global problems. She talked to students about the benefits of studying STEM subjects and the sorts of jobs available to them if they were to choose a scientific degree.
Students at Longsands who spoke to Helen said:
“It was really amazing to meet someone who had actually been in space – Helen was really inspiring and made us think about our future choices. We all wanted to know what she did in space – did she have any free time and what the food was like.”
“Helen told us that the food isn’t that great in space and also because of feeling weightless, your body ends up being taller! On Earth the weight of our heads compresses our spine and makes us shorter. I have learnt something new today!”
Elizabeth Sparrow, STEM co-ordinator and science teacher at Longsands Academy said:
“We were absolutely delighted to welcome Helen Sharman to Longsands Academy. Our students were completely engaged in her talk, from her advice and knowledge about STEM subjects and the pathways it can provide, to her experiences in space. It was a fascinating and inspirational session and we would like to thank her very much for coming to visit us.”
Dr Helen Sharman, astronaut, scientist and Outreach Ambassador at Imperial College London said:
“I really enjoyed marking the 50th anniversary of outreach at Imperial College London by visiting Longsands Academy in St Neots today. Young people are always fascinated by space and asked some really intelligent and interesting questions. I feel very strongly about supporting young people to reach their potential and realise their aspirations regardless of background. We had some excellent conversations about the benefits of studying STEM and the wide variety of choices and options open to students.”
Helen also gave students tips and information about university, including funding options available to them, including bursaries and scholarships and student loans. STEM subjects are very popular subjects for students in Sixth Form at Longsands.
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