Hi Pete, hope you're well. Can you paint us a portrait of yourself and your role?

I am an Environmental Specialist with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). I oversee the environmental assessments done for all UK spaceflight activities.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

Alongside colleagues and partners I typically keep a watch over the progress made on assessing documents supplied by applicants. Spaceflight operators come to the CAA to be granted a licence to ultimately get kit into space. Safety is the priority, but where I come in is assessing potential environmental impacts, both positive and negative, and how best mitigation is to be applied.

What motivates you to do what you do?

I used to be in aerospace, so this role has been a wonderful combination of my environmental skills and aviation interest. Plus, its all connected to the space industry! I also have wonderful colleagues who are supportive and fun.

What is/has been your favourite aspect of being part of the collaborative community through the Health Innovation Campus?

It is such a welcoming environment to work in. I have a hybrid role based mainly at home so it acts as a buffer between work and home. People who use the space here are great to say hello to and chat. Important for me is that the internet here is more secure than I would find at other hot desk locations, plus the lockers to keep my things that bit more secure.

What future projects and collaborations are you excited about?

As Lancaster alumni, I am keen on working on STEM activities with the University as an ambassador for the CAA. I have also made introductions between our CAA medical team and the University, to develop networks and share information.