Sam is an astrophysicist and a space science communicator.
Sam started his career as a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Airforce, where he gained experience in meteorology, navigation, principles of flight and working in a small team. He finished his 30 years of public service career as Director of Intelligence and Biosecurity Support Services for the Ministry for Primary Industries, part of the team protecting New Zealand from pests and diseases across the border.
Sam has developed a passion for space and, in particular, astrophysics, as well as for observing the night sky, observing the Sun, telescopes, optics, and imaging. Sam runs telescope courses and is currently building a 30″ telescope for public viewing. He ran the Mission to Mars – Synergies in Space school exercise with the New Zealand Astrobiology Network (see featured photo), where he created the Mission to Mars command, structure, participants, team organisation and leadership.
Together with Hari, Sam runs Milky-Way.Kiwi, a social enterprise that supports access to the night sky. He is also on the Board of the New Zealand Astrobiology Network.
Sam’s professional experiences inspired him to teach critical thinking and leadership in schools.
Following his aviation career, Sam changed careers to intelligence, starting in electronic warfare and GIS and then into leading parts of the intelligence community. This included experience overseas and as a Diplomat in London. He also commanded military operations for the Republic of Timor Leste, and was the president of the New Zealand Institute of Intelligence Professionals.
