Keith Cornwell

Keith Cornwell is a multifaceted author whose journey spans engineering, philosophy, academia, and speculative fiction. Educated in London with a foundation in both engineering and philosophy, he began his career as a researcher, professor, and dean in Edinburgh and later in the Middle East. Initially focused on scientific nonfiction, Cornwell has more recently ventured into fiction—“albeit with a good dose of facts and fun.”

His notable work, Our Man on Mars, published in 2021, explores the psychological and spiritual dimensions of a Mars colonization mission. It centers on Steve McKay, a Chaplain assigned to prepare humanity for the emotional and existential challenges of life on Mars—balancing expertise with introspection. The novel earned praise in Scotland’s Life and Work Magazine for its grounded realism and human-centric storytelling, avoiding cliché sci-fi tropes.

In 2023, Cornwell released Tales from Here and There, a collection of short stories blending irony, pathos, and humor across settings ranging from country bars and car backseats to Martian colonies. His background in rigorous research, combined with philosophical curiosity, gives all his fiction a thoughtful underpinning—even when exploring speculative worlds.

Beyond writing, Cornwell’s career remains rooted in academic and research roles, particularly within engineering disciplines. He balances these professional engagements with creative exploration, producing work that marries technical precision with warm, introspective storytelling.