Kukula credits his father as the person who "first ignited and then encouraged my interest in the natural world", and a trip with his parents to the Jodrell Bank Observatory at age 14 for his decision to focus on astronomy.
Kukula's interest in public engagement work was sparked when he enjoyed doing these activities in addition to his main role as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Edinburgh.
[5] As his work began to reach the limits of what was achievable with Hubble and the VLT, Kukula decided to move away from research, and instead explore the possibility of pursuing a career in the developing field of outreach.
[6] Kukula was a member of the Science and Technology Facilities Council's Small Awards funding panel for public engagement in astronomy, particle and nuclear physics.
[5] In 2013, in his role as Public Astronomer he curated the Visions of the Universe temporary exhibition at the National Maritime Museum.