Outreach
Poverty in Astronomy Collective
My background inspired me to launch a research initiative addressing how financial hardship limits access to astronomy careers. Financial exclusion in our field had never been formally studied—we changed that by surveying 1,000+ astronomers and identifying specific barriers at each career stage.
Our research has revealed the concrete ways that poverty creates barriers in academic astronomy, and we're now developing field-wide solutions. This work parallels Aspera's approach—transforming systems by reimagining what's possible with different resources and perspectives [White paper in progress].
Mentoring the Next Generation
Every student I mentor represents the future of space science. I'm particularly passionate about supporting students and early career researchers from backgrounds like mine, helping them see that their experiences aren't obstacles to overcome—they're superpowers to leverage.
Where They Are Now
37+ students and 8 early-career engineers have gained invaluable real-world experience through Aspera, designing, building, testing, and preparing an actual spacecraft for launch.
Career Outcomes: Our graduates work at major aerospace companies, space startups, and technology firms.
Student Voices
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“Aspera gave me the experience, confidence, and mentorship I needed to start a career in Software engineering. The mission gave me an opportunity to apply theories I learned in class, and to receive additional lessons from a skilled mentor. There have been few things as exciting as building a satellite telescope for NASA. I genuinely hope that future students have the opportunity for an equally remarkable experience.”
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“My first day on the Aspera mission was actually my last day of high school, and now I'm leaving having just graduated with my Bachelor's degree. That's four full years of working on a space mission—an experience I don't think many of my classmates had.”
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“Aspera really helped me get my foot in the aerospace industry door and gave me real world technical experience. Not only did these things help me land my current job, but I still use a lot of the knowledge I learned on Aspera in my day to day life as a satellite operator.”
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“In the cleanroom, suited in layers of protective gear beside multimillion-dollar hardware, I gained the ability to stay composed, make independent decisions, and recognize when to stop and ask for help.”