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From Bradford MBA to ‘Solar System Ambassador’

University of Bradford MBA graduate Kailash Kalidoss has just earned himself a title that’s quite literally out of this world.

The 35-year-old, who completed his MBA at Bradford in 2011-12, has just been named ‘Solar System Ambassador’ by none other than NASA. The Solar System Ambassadors (SSA) program from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory works with motivated volunteers across the nation to share NASA science and mission discoveries through a variety of events that inspire their communities.

Part of his new role will involve educating people about future planned space missions to the Moon and Mars, both in the US and across the world.

Kailash, originally from Chennai (formerly Madras), India, now lives in the Bay Area in California, with his wife and nine-month-old son. His new role with NASA is a voluntary position, which he does alongside his day job, working as a medical systems engineer for a high-tech product design and manufacturing company in the valley.

Kailash, who is still in touch with some of his former lecturers at the University of Bradford, said:

“Being named a Solar System Ambassador by NASA is something I’m very proud of. My father worked in the aviation industry, I remember him taking me on board various aircraft as a youngster and I’ve always been fascinated by aerospace and astronomy.

“My role will involve presenting events to different groups of people and talking about NASA’s planned missions, such as the Artemis programme, which plans to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024, before using that as a stepping stone to put humans on Mars.”

Kailash is also a Second Lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the US Air Force, and is currently training to become a pilot. His MBA from Bradford involved spending one semester in the city and two semesters in Perugia, Italy.

Recalling his time at Bradford, where he was based at the Emm Lane campus, he said:

“I have great memories of my time in Bradford, and I’m still in touch with some of my old lecturers. The MBA really gave me a strategic mindset and the confidence to face anything in life. Almost a decade on, I’m using every bit of it.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Zahir Irani said: “Our MBA is world renowned and this shows how its students can make their dreams a reality and shape the dreams of others.”

University of Bradford School of Management has a globally recognised Triple Crown Accreditation from the Association of MBAs, EQUIS (European Foundation for Management Development accreditation) and AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Out of about 14,000 business schools globally, it is one of only 90 to have that status.

It aims to develop a thriving, inclusive and socially engaged community through responsible management education and research, underpinned by its vision to empower and provide inclusive opportunities which enable people to make a difference to their community. It is committed to inclusivity and equality, of working with local and international partners and developing engaging learning experiences and impactful research, while developing emerging business opportunities such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and the circular economy.