The first steps towards man walking on Mars may have begun in a laboratory at Oxley High School.

That is where Philip Bryden, NASA’s United Space Alliance leader for the new space launch vehicle, Ares, developed his love of science.

Returning from Cape Canaveral in the US to visit his parents in Tamworth, Mr Bryden took time out to share his experiences with the next generation of budding scientists and engineers nurtured at the school.

He said he wanted to bring “energy and the possibility of dreams” to the students to “enable them to envision a future in the stars”.

Mr Bryden told the students he was “really grateful” for the opportunities Oxley High gave him and how each of them had the potential to be scientific pioneers if they put their mind to it.

“I have so many memories of sitting in the classroom looking at the popcorn ceiling and not really listening to the teacher. If it wasn’t for my science teacher who pulled me into line I don’t think I would be where I am today,” he said. “While in high school, I never thought that a kid from a small country city in Australia could be playing such a part in the leading edge of aerospace in the world.

“You can be anything from a rock star to a rocket scientist if you believe that you can do it and take the opportunities to get there.”

Mr Bryden talked about the steps leading to his stellar career – from joining the Royal Australian Air Force as a flight officer in charge of the maintenance of Pilatus, Caribou and Macchi aeroplanes to a manager for the thrust vector control and pyrotechnic systems on the space shuttle solid rocket boosters.

Mr Jones said the school welcomed the former student’s inspirational visit.

“Philip demonstrates that in any career, you can exceed your expectations,” he said.