As an outdoor rock climber and backpacker, I’ve always had an interest in how the formations I explore on were made. Space exploration brings researchers from different countries and backgrounds together in pursuit of a common goal to benefit humanity. I would like to use my knowledge and experience to contribute to humanity’s dream of being able to boldly go where no one has gone before. However, though space may be “the final frontier,” we are still stewards of this Earth. I am also interested in taking my many skills from working on planetary sciences equipment and teaching in different universities, to applying them for use in climate sciences, environmental surveying, planetary protection, and education of the next generation.
Prior to attending ASU, UNM, and Chico State, my background consisted mainly of assisting in automotive repair. My parents own their own automotive repair business, so since I was able to walk I’ve been around the automotive industry. From my father I’ve learned hundreds of skills from shingling rooftops to soldering electronic circuits, from pouring concrete to gas welding. I am an avid rock climber, backpacker, runner, photographer, musician, baker, cook, writer, and artist in my limited spare time. I am very passionate about exploring the world around me and exploring worlds beyond our Earth. I am also passionate about education, having taught at state, private, and community colleges while pursing my PhD, I enjoy learning new techniques to educate diverse groups of people.
I graduated in 2022 with my PhD from Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration. I worked with Dr. Craig Hardgrove and Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, doing research on nuclear processes related to planetary science.
The photo above is of me (left) and my friend Addie Ford (right) making parking lot coffee in the morning in Bishop, CA before heading out to rock climb in Owen’s River Gorge. Photo by Ashley Rose.