Star Helix Ltd’s directorship are an international team, representing Britain, the US, and Canada. We have consultants ranging across North America and Europe, and are always interested in considering new applicants to join our books. Star Helix collaborates with highly skilled and experienced talents spanning multiple disciplines to tackle real-world problems.
Our Team
Our Directors
Dr Natasha Nicholson
natasha@star-helix.com
Natasha is the founding director and CEO of Star Helix. Her diverse academic background, a BA(hons) in Literature, an MSc in Environmental Science, and a PhD in Astrobiology from the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, set the stage for an interdisciplinary career. For her PhD, she worked on an ISS mission through ESA, looking at biofilm formation and biomining in altered gravity environments, for In-Situ Resource Utilisation. During this time, she worked with different European universities, lead a research mission on a parabolic flight campaign, and designed outreach activities that were delivered to schools across the UK, including a short film of astronaut Tim Peake reading a speech written by Natasha while onboard the ISS.
Her professional career has taken the learnings from her multidisciplinary experience and applied them to working across industry, academia and government agencies, and helping to conceive and run collaborative projects across Space, Health, Energy, Robotics, Sustainable Manufacturing, Photonics, FinTech, AgriTech, and Biotechnology sectors. She worked at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus as the Cross-Cluster Liaison Manager, Heriot-Watt University as European Crucible coordinator, and was the first Cluster Manager for Space Scotland, before starting her own company with her two fellow directors.
Natasha is also a Non-Executive Director of Thistle Rocketry, and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Commerce, and Manufacturings.
Dr Mason Robbins
mason@star-helix.com
Mason is a director and Head of Human Factors for Star Helix, with a focus on Spacesuit Engineering, Bioastronautics and Organisational Management, with over 15 years of experience in industry, academia and government.
Mason has a PhD in Science, Technology and Innovation and an MScR in Conflict Resolution, both from the University of Edinburgh, an MBA in Sports Management from Real Madrid, and an MA in Conflict Resolution from King’s College London. He also has a certificates in Astrophysics and in Astronautics from a range of organisations, including Harvard and the International Institute for Astronautics.
Previously, he co-founded 3rd Wave Sports Solutions, which he ran for two years, before selling it to FC Barcelona, as their Innovation Hub. As the Head of Education, Innovation and Crewed Spaceflight at SaxaVord Spaceport in the UK, he developed a STEAM outreach program in partnership with Hi-Impact Consulting, that reached over 125,000 kids worldwide, and featuring astronauts and space industry guests. He has participated in five analogue astronaut missions, commanding three of them, and has 250+ hours under pressure. He has assisted NASA with Artemis 1 and Artemis 2 preparations, and is involved with training analogue and commercial astronauts.
As an avid lacrosse player, he has over 50 appearances for Scotland, including captaining the team at the first international Olympic Sixes tournament, and serves as the Vice-President of European Lacrosse.
Rebekah Russwurm, MSc.
rebekah@star-helix.com
Rebekah is the commercial director of Star Helix Ltd. She has an MSc in Space Studies from the International Space University, and an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Guelph.
After ten years in banking and finance, Rebekah retrained to pursue her passion in space. She is now a dynamic Project and Relationship Manager with AstroAgency, the world’s first space-specific PR company. She has proven expertise in leading cross-functional teams and implementing strategic initiatives to drive growth and elevate brand presence in the market. Skilled in crafting compelling communications, she fosters strong client relationships, channeling her passion to contribute to the advancement of space exploration and commercialisation.
In addition to these activities, Rebekah is on the board of two separate companies developing space-technologies, and sits on the board of Victim Services, Parklane County in Canada, from where she originally hails.
Our Advisors
Louise Horsfall is a Professor of Sustainable Biotechnology at The University of Edinburgh. She earned her MChem from Oxford and a PhD in Biochemistry from Université de Liège. After roles at Leeds and Glasgow Universities, she joined Edinburgh in 2012.
Prof. Horsfall serves on the EFB’s Executive Board and holds memberships of the European Synthetic Biology Society and SynBioUK Advisory Boards, EPSRC’s Strategic Advisory Team for manufacturing and circular economy, BBSRC Strategy Advisory Panel for advanced manufacturing and clean growth, the Carbon Technology Research Foundation Advisory Council and the Scottish Science Advisory Council – providing independent advice and recommendations on science strategy, policy and priorities to the Scottish Government.
A founding member of the European Federation of Biotechnology’s (EFB) Bioengineering Division, she is interested in multidisciplinary challenges utilising microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology that move us towards a more sustainable circular economy.
Professor Louise Horsfall
Synthetic Biology, Sustainable Biotechnology, and Circular Economy
Dr. Marc M. Cohen is a licensed architect who has devoted his career to design research and development in aerospace, particularly human spaceflight. He took early retirement from NASA Ames Research Center after 26 years in 2005 and then worked for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems for 4.5 years. Now, Marc has a consulting practice as Marc M. Cohen, Architect. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and is a NASA Innovative and Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Fellow. Marc won the AIAA Gordon Woodcock Award for Space Architecture in 2023. Marc holds an AB from Princeton, M.Arch from Columbia, and D.Arch from the University of Michigan. He has 8 patents, including the concept for the cupola on the ISS and the Suitport EVA Access Facility. His publications are available at: https://spacearchitect.org/pubs/pub-biblio.htm.
Marc is married to Jane Jacobson. They have two sons and two granddaughters and live in Milford, Connecticut.
Dr Marc M. Cohen
Space Architecture, Human Factors Engineering
John is a highly skilled orthopedic sports foot and ankle surgeon with a strong foundation in exercise physiology and kinesiology. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wake Forest University and his MD from Wake Forest School of Medicine. He further specialized through an orthopedic residency at the University of South Carolina and a fellowship in Sports, Foot, and Ankle surgery at the American Sports Medicine Institute.
With over two decades of experience, John has worked with elite international competitors, including NASCAR, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, and extreme sports competitors. He has served as team physician for Real Salt Lake Academy, Barćа Academy USA, and Phoenix Rising USL, as a consultant for professional sports teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Coyotes, and Diamondbacks, as well as international teams like Scotland Lacrosse and Scotland Box Lacrosse. He continues to consult for CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, and US Soccer.
John’s current research focuses on optimizing human movement and injury prevention. He is committed to rehabilitating optimal movement patterns through neurodevelopmental motor memory techniques, and is dedicated to preventing injuries by educating athletes on proper neuromuscular techniques to improve motor patterns and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Dr. Cory is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a member of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society.
John W Cory, MD
Orthopedics, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology
Craig Curtis is a dedicated leader known for driving transformative change and fostering organizational growth. A skilled communicator, Craig excels at supporting councils in making informed responsible decisions that align with vision and strategic goals. His passion lies in developing and executing ambitious, forward-thinking strategic plans that inspire progress and innovation. From 1980 to 2017, Craig has led pivotal infrastructure, environmental, and cultural initiatives. Throughout his career, he has championed award-winning projects and initiatives that exemplify smart growth, quality design, and resourceful fiscal management. His work continues to inspire communities to reach new heights of innovation and sustainability.
Craig Curtis, BArc. M.C.P.U.D
Strategic Planning
Our Specialists
Eszter Gulacsi, a member of the Space Architect Organisation since 2018, has worked as an architect/architectural designer for 10 years in Hungary and the UK. In 2021 she attended the International Space University to become a space architect, turning her attention to how architecture can contribute to neutralising space radiation. She maintained this focus during her internship at ESA Spaceship EAC, and launched a startup, Astro SpArch, in 2023. She has published a series of research papers with Olga Bannova on how to tackle space radiation, and carried out a radiation experiment with mycelium at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory in 2024. She has secured two patents around technologies with mycelium radiation protection in human spaceflight, work she now continues within Star Helix.
She is a proud member of the Space Habitat Committee (IAF) and the Space Architecture Technical Committee (AIAA).
Ezster Gulacsi
Space architecture, Mycology
Dr Garrick is the Future Manufacturing Fellow at the School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, and is a mechanical design engineer and researcher. He completed his PhD in sustainable manufacturing in 2023 at the University of Strathclyde. Prior to his fellowship he was a research associate at the University of Cambridge, researching large project management and the deployment rate of clean energy.
He is a certified expert in Solidworks CAD for mechanical design, and assists Star Helix with design centred projects.
Dr. Andrew Garrick
Mechanical Engineering
William is a Senior Software Engineer with 12+ years of experience in the aerospace industry. He has an MSc in Space Studies from the International Space University and a passion for all things space. In his professional career, he received a Technical Star award recognizing his strong innovation and problem-solving abilities. He mainly worked in application software, but also gained experience in web and embedded systems. William is a tinkerer driven by curiosity and the desire to learn new skills in various domains.
William Moretti, MSc.
Software Engineering
A highly skilled AIT Technician with extensive experience in the space industry. Known for thriving in dynamic, high-stakes environments with a proven track record of ensuring seamless integration, robust functionality, and space-worthy readiness of mission-critical components, including satellites, spacecraft, payloads and propulsion systems. Playing a pivotal role in numerous high-profile commercial and government projects, Maurizio leverages professional experience coupled with formal aerospace engineering education and certification in Mechatronics, to ensure every phase of a spacecraft’s journey meets the highest standards from fabrication to launch.
Maurizio Verra
Aerospace, Assembly, Integration & Testing
Consulting in various industries, with a focus on neuroscience-based learning landing, application, effective communications and elevating corporate impact. Delivering high quality, impact programs in influence, information clarity and landing for optimal outcomes.
Master Trainer of Trainers at Microsoft for over 24 years, crafting the new business model ‘Worldwide Learning’ (WWL). Looking at the brain from a practical viewpoint to understand retention and application of information to change behavior and develop new skills, using neuroscience validated methods for retention and impact, delivered globally. From brain-friendly learning and content, to neuroscience reviews of programs, and nurturing creative and storytelling workshops.
Certified in Instructional Design, Neuroscience of Learning and NeuroLeadership, with over 35 years of IT and technical experience, as well as 30+ years in learning and development.
Master Trainer of Trainers at Microsoft for over 24 years, crafting the new business model ‘Worldwide Learning’ (WWL). Looking at the brain from a practical viewpoint to understand retention and application of information to change behavior and develop new skills, using neuroscience validated methods for retention and impact, delivered globally. From brain-friendly learning and content, to neuroscience reviews of programs, and nurturing creative and storytelling workshops.
Certified in Instructional Design, Neuroscience of Learning and NeuroLeadership, with over 35 years of IT and technical experience, as well as 30+ years in learning and development.
Rita Robbins
Neuropsychology of Leadership
Toby is a scientist turned entrepreneur with a passion for space and biotech. He studied at Oxford, UCL, and the International Space University (SSP15), and completed a PhD in biophotovoltaic microbial fuel cells in Cambridge. Toby co-founded Chronomics (now Hurdle), commercialising the first epigenetic biomarkers of ageing and diagnostics-as-a-service platform. He founded Mass Balance to develop space biotech including bioregenerative closed system technologies, and microgravity biomanufacturing of protein therapeutics.
Dr. Toby Call
Biotech and Business
Kato has a background in architectural engineering and space studies from the KU Leuven. She has a passion for aviation, has a sailplane licence and a private pilot’s licence, and has been a member of the Royal Belgian Air Cadets for over 10 years. She is also a trained lifeguard with PADI divemaster and rescue diving certificates. She was Director of Operations for the HI-SEAS habitat and has been an analogue astronaut on several missions, where she held the roles of Vice-Commander and Commander, including at Lunares where she supported research for NASA’s Artemis 2 program.
Kato Claeys
Space Architect and Mission Operations
Dr Toby Samuels is a Research Administrator in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University, providing analytical support to the Director of Research in strategic decision making. Previously, he was an academic researcher and teaching fellow at universities in Edinburgh and Tübingen for over eight years, and also has spent time working in policy development within the Scottish Government. He has experience of data manipulation, analysis and visualisation in the programming language R and has utilised these skills in the preparation of peer-reviewed academic publications and business reports.
Dr. Toby Samuels
Data Science
Samantha is an experienced project manager with a background in international operations and logistics, specifically related to dual-use technologies subject to ITAR / EAR regulatory compliance, as well as experience writing and implementing policies and practices relating to cybersecurity and regulatory compliance from her years at a multinational defense company based in the U.K. She brings a passion for space policy and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Edinburgh.
Samantha Copeland
Regulatory Compliance