Laura M. Lee
Professional
info
High Energy, Reliable, and Highly Motivated student with a strong academic background in Astronomy, Physics, and Planetary Science. 4th year PhD Candidate in Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University. Recognized for being driven, organized, and personable. Open to pursuing opportunities to conduct research, and develop skills within the Astronomy and Planetary Science field.
Strong track record of results:
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Working independently and demonstrating learning agility to solve complex problems.
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Leveraging strong technical acumen to operate, maintain, and understand complex hardware and software.
Key Courses Taken
Remote Sensing
Planetary Science
Planetary Analogs
Physics I - III
Electricity and Magnetism
Modern Physics
Quantum Mechanics
Optics
Particle Physics and Cosmology
General Astronomy
Intermediate Astronomy
Astrophysics
Techniques of Observational Astronomy
Senior Research Thesis
Work
experience
Space Center Houston, Houston, TX
05/2019 to 08/2019
Summer Educational Program Internship
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Designed and implemented educational camp experiences related to NASA’s ongoing areas of research.
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Engaged in public education sessions with Space Center visitors about space exploration.
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Aided in the production of special event experiences, and worked in conjunction with several companies (NASA, Boeing, and YHWY Games).
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ
09/2018 to Present
Teacher Assistant – Campus Observatory
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Engaged with highly technical equipment in a workshop environment.
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Maintained observatory hardware and software to improve overall instrument performance.
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Operated a radio antenna, meteor camera, as well as various developmental-stage telescopes and novel instruments.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ
08/2017 to 08/2019
Orientation Leader
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Charged with helping a group of new students adapt to campus life.
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Worked closely with new students and their families on a wide variety of topics including academics, student involvement, and housing options.
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Educated the students on healthy relationships, informing them of counselors and campus security outreach protocol.
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Introduced students to campus life by providing mentorship their first few days in college.
Key Skills
Python
R
ENVI
IRAF
Matlab
Mathematica
LaTex
Python
C
Unix/Linux
Microsoft Office
Education
Northern Arizona University
Doctor of Philosophy, Astronomy and Planetary Science (May 2027)
PhD Thesis: Instrumentation, Extraterrestrial Crop Growth, Asteroid Taxonomic Classification
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Cumulative GPA of 4.0.
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National Science Foundation - Graduate Research Fellow (2024-2027)
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Phoenix Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Scholar Award (2025-2026)
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Recipient of Presidential Fellowship Award (2022-2026)
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Arizona Space Grant Student
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NAU Space Grant Mentor 2024-2025: Extraterrestrial Crop Growth
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Keck Institute for Space Studies - Lunar Interferometry Workshop (Nov. 2024)
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American Geophysical Union Conference
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Oral presentations: VISIONS Instrument (2023) and Extraterrestrial Crop Growth (2025)
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Poster presentation: Extraterrestrial Crop Growth (2024) and Asteroid Taxonomic Classification (2025)
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Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
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Poster presentation: VISIONS Instrument (2023) and Extraterrestrial Crop Growth (2024)
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10th International Conference on Mars 2024
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Poster presentation: VISIONS Instrument
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Public Talks: Flagstaff Astronomy on Tap (Sept. 2025), Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 2024), Elementary School Talks
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Volunteer at OpenPlanetary Workshop
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science, Astronomy, with a Minor in Mathematics (May 2020)
Senior Thesis: Eclipsing Binary Solar Masses (Published January 2021)
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Cumulative GPA of 3.47.
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Recipient of Chancellor Scholarship; Women of Excellence Award.
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Student Athlete: Member and Marketing Chair of the Eagle Dance Team.
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Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics, 2018,
Utah State University. -
235th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society,
Honolulu, HI (2020).-
Poster presentation covering Senior Thesis: The First Visual Orbit of a WN Star.
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Delta Phi Epsilon, Social Chair (2019-Present); Former VP of Academic of Affairs (2018-2019)
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Society of Physics Student, Secretary (2018-2020).
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Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society (2020).