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Dr. Michelle Minitti earned her B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering and her Sc.M. and Ph.D. in Geological Sciences. Her early career research focused on laboratory investigations of the Martian meteorites and their context in Mars remote sensing and landed datasets. She is currently a member of the Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity) and Mars 2020 (Perseverance) science teams. On Curiosity, Minitti is Deputy Principal Investigator of the MAHLI investigation, and a Co-Investigator on the Mastcam and MARDI investigations. On Perseverance, Minitti is a Co-Investigator on the SHERLOC investigation. She is primed for lunar exploration as a Co-Investigator on the Heimdall investigation, which is slated to land on the Moon via one of NASA’s commercial lunar lander missions.Ìý

Taryn Tucker graduated with her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Colorado School of Mines in 2021, and her master's degree in mechanical engineering in 2022. Her master's degree area of study was mechanics of materials, material analysis, and manufacturing. Taryn spent 3 years working for Sierra Space (formerly Sierra Nevada Corporation) on the Dream Chaser program in a number of roles during her college career and found her passion for stress analysis through this role. Taryn currently works for BAE Systems INC. (formerly Ball Aerospace) as a structural analyst on a number of civil and Department of Defense Programs. Taryn is very passionate about expanding access for women interested in aerospace and loves to work with organizations such as WOAA and SWE whenever possible.

Baylee Burton is a published space sci-fi author and a student at the 91¸£ÀûÉç, where she is a junior in Aerospace Engineering and concurrently earning her Masters in Engineering Management through Lockheed Martin’s partnership program. She released her first children’s chapter book, Animal Galaxies: Canine Conundrum, in May 2024 and is currently working on her second book. Baylee's unique path highlights how creativity and technical knowledge can coexist in shaping the aerospace industry.Ìý

Barbra Sobhani is the State Director for the Colorado Space Grant Consortium (COSGC), based at the 91¸£ÀûÉç. COSGC provides students with the opportunity to do research and hands-on projects in space. She holds degrees in physics, geophysics, and biology. She has taught a wide array of college courses during her career, from astrobiology to robotics. Her non-traditional career path has included being faculty, Honors Program Director, and Academic Dean. In addition to her academic career, she is also an accomplished artist and naturalist.ÌýÌýÌý

Matt DeWitt is an astrophotographer based in 91¸£ÀûÉç, Colorado, with nearly a decade of experience. He specializes in hosting private workshops in Moab, Utah, where he teaches participants how to capture stunning images of the Milky Way. Matt has guided many enthusiasts in exploring astrophotography across various locations, including the Outer Banks, North Carolina, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. Passionate about connecting people with the wonders of the night sky, he aims to inspire others to appreciate and photograph celestial beauty under dark skies.Ìý