An assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Arizona has received a five-year, $745,000 CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation for her novel research on galaxies and outreach efforts to retain, mentor and support students studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.
According to UA’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Impact, Gurtina Besla wants today’s students to have what she didn’t: paid internships and clear paths to fulfilling careers in astronomy.
UA News says the CAREER grant, which is National Science Foundations’ most prestigious honor in support of early-career faculty members, will help Besla’s plans to explore two nearby cloudlike galaxies.
“In both her research and outreach, Besla is forward-thinking,” Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell told UA News. “The strides she is making toward enabling diversity and equity in the field of astronomy are exemplary, and I am pleased that the National Science Foundation has provided her with this richly deserved recognition.”
In addition to helping further her research, the award will help Besla continue to build a program she founded called the Tucson Initiative for Minority Engagement in Science and Technology Program or TIMESTEP.
“We want to help students graduate and get to the career paths they want and are excited about,” Besla said. “We want to level the playing field so that everyone has the same information and access to opportunity.”
TIMESTEP is a professional development program, which encourages about 100 students majoring in astronomy, physics, mathematics, optical sciences, engineering, and computer science to meet twice a month.
“Of course, anyone is welcome to come to TIMESTEP, but we typically invite speakers of color and design programs for minority students. Studies show that they need it more,” Besla said.
The university’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution “is directly relevant to the astronomy department’s goal of building a diverse and inclusive community,” Besla said. “The retention of Hispanic students in our program is a key part of realizing this goal. A large part of that is making sure Hispanic students have access to the community.”
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