I am a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer Science. My research focuses on machine learning applications in astronomy and planetary science. I work with researchers in the Steward Observatory on classifying astronomical transients (brief, explosive astronomical events) using information about the galaxies in which those events take place. I also work with researchers in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory on identifying the mineralogy on the surface of Mars and the Moon, using images taken by instruments aboard satellites rotating around those planetary bodies. I find working in this domain rewarding and meaningful because the objective of these projects is to ultimately optimize scientific observations and enhance our understanding of nearby planetary bodies in our solar system and far-reaching astronomical events.

Before coming to the University of Arizona, I attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, graduating in 2016 with a B.S. in Computer Science, and worked as a software consultant in Richmond, VA. I've participated in STEM outreach and science communication in different facets, and enjoy supporting others to explore and learn more about science. I have participated in outreach events in STEM/Computer Science for women at the middle school and university levels. I have also participated in research in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, collecting data to identify trends in the retainment of students of different demographics in computer science. My NASA Fellowship project focuses on enhancing public trust in science via an engaging and personal podcast series featuring space scientists.

[Update] View Marina's Podcast on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2t5wItUPwt834fze1L25AS