My name is Laura Lee. I am a 4th year PhD Candidate in Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University. I am seeking employment in Space Missions, Instrumentation, and Planetary Science for positions beginning in 2027.

 

My primary points of interest are in various space mission roles, instrument design and development, ground-based astrometric observations, and crop-fungal interactions in lunar and martian simulated regolith. This research is underway at NAU under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Edwards (Professor of Planetary Science and Director of RADIANCE)

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I received a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and a Minor in Mathematics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

In my senior year, my focus was in the field of binary solar masses. I conducted research and analysis of spectra in order to determine the radial velocities of two stars (WR-33). I completed this alongside Dr. Noel Richardson (Professor of Astronomy), and our work was published in The Astrophysical Journal (APJ) Letters, which you can read about here.

 

So, why space science? I believe there is an infinite amount of knowledge that can be unlocked through the study of space and habitability. The fact that our planet is a rarity that sustains conscious life is fascinating and I would love to learn more about the numerous possibilities for the presence of life in unusual environments. I find tackling problems for space exploration stimulating and fulfilling as these solutions in turn have positive outcomes for life on Earth.