My name is Elizabeth Gonzalez, I am a current first year PhD student at Penn State, where I plan to investigate exoplanet detection and characterization via extreme precision radial velocity.
I completed my undergraduate at Columbia University, where I gained research experience in exoplanets and star formation. I am very passionate about doing research in astronomy and plan to earn my PhD degree in astronomy so that I may develop the necessary skills and confidence to become a future astronomer.
As a first-generation Latina, I understand the challenges that come with being underrepresented in STEM. The work ethics of my immigrant family motivates my journey in academia; a journey I wish will be inspirational to young students. As I move forward in my career, I plan to organize my own science public outreach programs to address the lack of science accessibility for minorities.