Dr Sheila Gough Kenyon
Dr Sheila Gough Kenyon is the Co-Founder and COO of Starbound Space Solutions.
Sheila is a cognitive scientist, highly experienced in guiding strategic initiatives in AI research and development. In her role at Starbound, Sheila has co-developed a novel AI platform, Virgil, using real human space engineering experience to reduce mission paperwork by 40%. Sheila uses established consensus-building approaches from the Social Sciences to develop processes to capture the different philosophies (Old/New space) across the international space industry.
Sheila’s pathway to space has been untraditional. She has worked in academic and government roles internationally, and has a keen professional interest in education, research, and STE(A)M. She was awarded the Una Burke memorial prize from Trinity College Dublin and the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Award from the University of Roehampton, London to fund her research. Sheila holds Honours Degrees in Psychology and English Literature, a Masters Degree in Education, and a PhD in Psychology.
Sheila has lived and worked in five countries, always within the international space community. She is a late diagnosed Autistic and ADHD woman, and loves to read, swim, and have adventures with her husband and two children.