Caitlin’s bringing Space down to Earth

According to 2020 graduate Caitlin Auger, space science in Australia is really taking off. And, if her achievements to date are anything to go by, it’s likely we’ll see Caitlin’s name continue to pop up in this very space in the future.

After completing a Bachelor of Science in Astronomical Space at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) last year, Caitlin has since turned her attention to tutoring and enhancing the learning experience for USQ students as part of its Peer Assisted Learning program.

She’s sat alongside and learnt from NASA representatives, co-authored a paper published in The Astronomical Journey, is currently undertaking her Masters in Learning and Teaching and is passionate about sharing her love for the field with others.

“I’ve been really fortunate to take part in some pretty exciting projects at USQ,” says Caitlin.

“Last year I was invited to work alongside researchers and PHD student Ava Morrissey, which resulted in me participating in a research paper, exploring planetary evolution, as a co-author,” she said.

“Specifically, I was tasked with investigating the correlation between Silicon III and Hydrogen Lyman-alpha escape in exoplanet atmospheres to help us better understand planetary evolution and lifecycles of small planets.

“The research was presented in a tour around the US; it was a big deal for our space community and an incredibly rewarding experience to be part of.”

SHARING HER LOVE OF SPACE SCIENCE

While the field to many is seen as another ‘world’, Caitlin is passionate about making space science accessible for all.

“I’m currently working at the university developing resources and helping other maths and physics students to navigate their own journey.

“It’s all about building a community within the university and letting students know there are supports in place for them.

‘We have a lot of fun really, talking about courses, what areas they might be struggling with, areas where they feel confident and then giving them the right supports.”

Long-term Caitlin would like to continue work in universities and in schools, too.

“I’m keen to help people better understand the role of space science not just as we typically know it, but in everyday life,” she explains.

“A love for science starts in school and I’d like to help foster this passion among younger students so they’re not just seeing maths and science subjects as ‘those ones you have to do’.

“STEM fields are so important and I want to be able to show people that you don’t have to be a super genius to go into science and that the field is filled with really interesting and fulfilling career pathways.

“People don’t always think about the skills that surround it and are surprised to hear I’ve learnt a lot about things like communications, programming and even public speaking as part of my journey.

“Likewise, people are often unaware that innovations like WiFi and the MRI machine all came from space research.

“When you share examples like this, you can start to see how something that seems quite abstract really does benefit everyday people. And that’s what excites me most.”

WORDS OF WISDOM

“Say yes to opportunities. Some of the most daunting projects have been the most rewarding. Take the opportunity, even if it feels hard.”