Program: Master's in Space Studies
Home Country: Australia
Universities: University of Adelaide, Flinders University
Languages: English

Margot is studying a Masters of Science (Space Studies) at the Wiess School of Natural Sciences. She is driven by a passion for how space can improve life on Earth, and the role of mission control in enabling these complex but important missions.

Margot was born in Adelaide, South Australia. In addition to its spectacular beaches and wine regions, Adelaide is home to the growing Australian Space Agency. Margot worked at the Agency as a Space Communicator while studying her undergraduate degrees—a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) and a Bachelor of Science (Genetics) from the University of Adelaide. 

After graduating in 2023, Margot worked at US-Australian space company, Saber Astronautics. Here, she served as an on-duty Flight Director in Australia’s first national mission control centre, where she commanded AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird constellation, the largest commercial satellite fleet in low Earth orbit. In 2024, Margot earned a Diploma of Arts (Women’s Studies) from Flinders University. This further study exemplifies her human-centred approach to spacecraft operations.

Margot is excited to learn from the experts at the Rice Space Institute, NASA Johnson, and Houston’s leading commercial space sector. Through this experience, she aims to return to Australia with advanced technical expertise and strong U.S. ties to help build sovereign mission control capabilities and support Australia's growing space industry.

What I like about Houston/Rice

Everyone is so chatty! I have meaningful interactions with strangers every time I go out. 

What I like about Fulbright

Fulbright@Rice takes great care of us without being patronising and too hands-on. I really appreciate that kind of support. 

Fun fact about me

My hands-down favourite video game is Elder Scrolls Oblivion.