Daniel Harrison
Science Educator • Technologist • Astrophysics
I’m Daniel Harrison, a science educator, engineer, and lifelong learner with a background that spans physics education, software engineering, Linux systems, electronics, and scientific research. Throughout my career I’ve enjoyed working at the intersection of technology, education, and hands-on problem solving.
Who Am I?
I earned a Master’s degree in Astrophysics from Queen Mary University of London, where my research focused on applying machine learning techniques to galaxy classification. Before moving into education, I spent many years building websites and web-based systems, administering Linux servers, managing databases, and supporting the technical infrastructure that keeps those systems running. Earlier in my career I served as an electronics technician in the U.S. Army, troubleshooting and repairing complex systems.
Teaching has been a natural extension of those experiences. I’ve taught high school physics, worked with students from introductory through advanced levels, and developed original lessons, laboratory activities, and problem-solving materials that emphasize understanding rather than memorization. My goal is always to help students become confident thinkers who know how to approach unfamiliar problems.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy building things, experimenting, and learning new skills. My projects have included model rocketry, astronomy, electronics, programming, scientific computing, geocaching, travel, and countless “how does this work?” investigations. Many of these projects eventually become learning experiences that I share with students, because I believe curiosity is contagious and the best question ever is, “Why”?
This website is a collection of those ideas. Some become STEM enrichment programs, others become articles or classroom activities, and many begin simply as personal projects pursued out of curiosity. Whether I’m designing a rocketry program, writing about the rocket equation, building software, or exploring a new technical challenge, the underlying goal is the same: understand how something works, then explain it clearly enough that someone else can build on it.
Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging STEM opportunities, a school interested in enrichment programs, or a colleague exploring a technical collaboration, I hope you find something here that sparks your curiosity.
How I Work
I’ve never been someone who fit neatly into a single profession. Over the years I’ve worked in electronics, software development, Linux systems administration, scientific computing, education, property renovation, and independent research. While those experiences may seem unrelated at first glance, they’ve all been driven by the same curiosity: understanding how systems work.
I enjoy learning new domains, building practical solutions, and connecting ideas across disciplines. Whether troubleshooting hardware, writing software, analyzing scientific data, renovating a house, or developing a STEM program, I approach each project the same way—ask good questions, understand the underlying principles, and build something useful.
This website is a collection of those projects. Some are complete. Some are experiments. Some are simply interesting rabbit holes worth exploring. Together, they reflect how I learn, solve problems, and continue developing new skills.
I don’t claim to be an expert in everything I pursue. I do enjoy becoming competent in unfamiliar areas and applying what I learn to solve real problems. That process of continual learning is what has made every stage of my career rewarding.
The Road Here
- M.S. Astrophysics
- High school physics teacher
- Linux systems & web technologies
- U.S. Army electronics
- Scientific computing
- Property management
- And so much more