Adriana Gómez-Buckley
What inspired you to pursue your field of study? Was there a defining moment that shaped your goals or direction?
My path of study has been somewhat “full circle” – as a child, I was inspired to love hands-on science by my parents who are both marine biologists. I thought I would pursue a career in some field of biology until my senior year of high school, when NASA’s New Horizons mission sent back detailed images of Pluto and pushed me towards astronomy and physics instead. I loved astronomy, but missed the hands-on element, so I started pursuing astrobiology research as an undergraduate. And now as a graduate student, I get to do hands-on research in molecular & cellular biology that still applies to the field of astrobiology and extreme environments on other worlds!
What motivates you to keep pushing forward, even during difficult times?
My huge support network – my partner, my parents, my friends, extended family, pets. The fact that where I am and the opportunities I have as a woman in science wouldn’t have been possible for some of my ancestors.
Where do you see yourself making the biggest difference?
I hope my research helps/contributes to discovering life on another planet in the future!
Do you have a favorite quote, motto, or idea that guides you?
One that stands out is Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot” speech, which reminds me of the unique beauty of our own planet and the life on it, but also how vast and unknown the rest of the universe is, which inspires a lot of wonder in both aspects.
What are your plans after graduation?
First of all, probably taking a breath and relaxing to soak in the achievement. And of course, job hunting. I really love outreach, so I see myself in a job that has some of those elements – maybe an outreach coordinator at a museum or science center, or a teaching professor. But I also love doing research, so I would like to try and find a job that joins the two together.
And sometime in the future, maybe writing a science-fiction story based at least somewhat on true science/my research! I did have a passion for writing as a kid that never fully went away.