Astrobiologist of the Month

AOMAWA SHIELDS
“I am an astronomer and an astrobiologist whose research focuses on exploring the possible climates and potential habitability of Earth-sized planets orbiting cool, low-mass stars. I use a hierarchy of computer models along with observational data from space- and ground-based observatories to carry out my research. I am the Founder and Director of the organization Rising Stargirls, which encourages girls of all colors and backgrounds to explore and discover the universe using theater, writing, and visual art. I am also the proud mother of 5 year old rising stargirl Garland-Rose, who my husband Steven and I have deemed the most extraordinary lifeform in our universe.”

Position
Clare Boothe Luce Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at University of California, Irvine

Career Pathway
I received my Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrobiology from the University of Washington in 2014, an MFA in Acting from UCLA in 2001, and an Sc.B. in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences from MIT in 1997

Research Topics
I use many different types of computer models in my work, including climate models traditionally used to predict climate and weather patterns on the Earth. I also use actual data for recently-discovered planetary systems acquired by ground- and space-based missions such as Kepler and TESS. This combined approach helps me to determine the surface, atmospheric, and orbital conditions necessary for surface liquid water to exist on the most promising candidates for habitable planets in these systems

Why did you decide to become an Astrobiologist?
I didn’t want to hear about discoveries on the TV news with everyone else — I wanted to be part of it. I took a day job at Caltech, as a helpdesk operator for the Spitzer Space Telescope, which is like Hubble, but looking at the universe through infrared eyes instead of visible eyes. Someone there knew I had an acting background, and when PBS came knocking — which they tend to do at Caltech when they need science hosts — I got an audition as co-host for a science news magazine, Wired Science, a partnership between PBS and Wired magazine. And I got the job.

Gradually, I fell back in love with the field after acting. Science television really seemed to put both of my worlds — acting and astronomy — together. Suddenly it started to feel like all roads led back to getting my PhD in astrophysics. Through Caltech, I was put in contact with Neil deGrasse Tyson, and he told me that I needed a PhD to be seen as an expert on TV. I also applied to the NASA Astronaut Candidate Program around that time, and a PhD was necessary to advance to the next level there too. So I took the leap and went back for my astrophysics PhD at the University of Washington. My husband’s willingness to move to Seattle, and his support throughout grad school, were instrumental to my success.

In addition, I wanted to encourage more girls from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the sciences to consider astronomy careers. My work with Rising Stargirls has workshops that incorporate writing, theater games and visual art. Ultimately, I want to show that “There’s no one way to be a scientist" which is also why I have decided to publish a memoir coming out summer 2023, which discusses my experiences as an astronomer, classically-trained actor, mother, and Black woman in STEM.

If your lab/research group had a nickname, what would it be?
Shields Center for Exoplanet Climate and Interdisciplinary Education (SCECIE)

Are you accepting students?
PhD students (for more information, click here)