SETI Institute
Simon Steel has a diverse work experience in various academic and research institutions. Simon is currently serving as the Deputy Director of the Carl Sagan Center for Research at the SETI Institute since 2019. Prior to that, they worked as a Lecturer in Astronomy at University College London from 2011 to 2019. Simon also held the position of Director of Tufts in London and Oxford at Tufts University from 2009 to 2019. Additionally, they worked as an Education Specialist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics from 2002 to 2009. Simon has also had teaching roles at Harvard University, serving as a Lecturer in Astronomy from 1998 to 2002 and an Allston Burr Resident Dean from 1998 to 2002. Simon started their teaching career as a Science Teacher at The Marlborough Church Of England School from 1986 to 1988.
Simon Steel has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from University College Dublin, which they completed in 1995. Before that, they obtained an MA in Physics from Brandeis University in 1991. In 1986, they received a PGCE in Science Education from the University of Oxford. Simon began their education by earning a BSc in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Sussex in 1984.
SETI Institute
The SETI Institute is a non-profit research organization, located in the Silicon Valley close to the NASA Ames Research Center. Our mission is to lead humanity's quest to understand the origins and prevalence of life and intelligence in the universe and share that knowledge with the world. The SETI Institute is committed to respecting values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) and creating and maintaining a positive and nurturing work environment that promotes mutual respect, trust, fairness, and objectivity. We strive to provide professional and personal growth to every individual regardless of race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. As a group of talented scientists, engineers, educators, and professionals, it is our belief that a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace is critical to accomplishing the Institute’s mission, and ensuring that we follow our values and principles.