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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.

ASDA acknowledges Australia’s First Nations' People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 


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