Member Spotlight: Naiara Patiño
Naiara Patiño, second-year Astronomy PhD student at Boston University,
Meet the the second guest in our new Member Spotlight Series: Naiara Patiño. Naiara Patiño is a second-year Astronomy PhD student at Boston University, working with Prof. Catherine Espaillat to study protoplanetary disks in young stars. Their current research focuses on using multi-wavelength observations to explore the vertical chemical structure of these disks. With this work, they aim to get insights into the initial composition of forming planets. They are originally from Mérida, Venezuela, where they did their undergrad in Physics at the Universidad de Los Andes. Besides astronomy, Naiara is passionate about the outdoors and used to volunteer as a Search and Rescue first responder in the mountains of their hometown.
Q: How would you describe your research to an undergrad?
A: My research focuses on the early stages of planet and star formation. I study protoplanetary disks—the environments where planets form—to understand their physical and chemical properties. To do this, I use observations at different wavelengths of light, which let me probe different regions of these disks and figure out the conditions under which planets form. In particular, I’m interested in how these disks are layered, how temperature and composition varies at different heights, and how that layering affects the chemicals available to forming planets.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your research?
A: I really enjoy how this work lets me learn from a wide range of physics and chemistry topics and apply them to a really fascinating question: understanding how planets, and even our own solar system, form.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of research?
A: I’m passionate about all things outdoors. I especially love backpacking, climbing, and mountaineering, but I also enjoy biking, hiking, skiing, and more. Before starting my PhD, I was part of a search and rescue group, which I really valued because it allowed me to help people while spending time in nature. Outside of that, I enjoy playing music, painting, and trying way too many new crafts.
Q: What is something you've accomplished that you're proud of and willing to share?
A: Before moving to the U.S. to pursue my PhD, I had lived in the same place my entire life. Because of that, I’m especially proud of having built a life in a new country, despite being far from my family and outside of my comfort zone
Q: Tell us about one short-term goal you're aspiring towards.
A: I'm hoping to submit a paper this year and take the oral qualifying exam for my PhD this Fall!
Q: Tell us about one long-term goal you're aspiring towards.
A: Climbing Denali and making it through the PhD!
Q: Can you tell us about a setback you have, or currently are, facing in your career?
A: One of the main challenges I’ve faced has been managing my mental health and the ways my disabilities affect my academic work. At times, this has made it harder to keep up with my peers, and feeling “left behind” has impacted my confidence as a researcher. It’s something I’m still working through, but it has also pushed me to better understand my needs so I can do well in this part of my life.
Q: If you could pass along one bit of advice to your colleagues in LUMA, what would it be?
A: Don’t forget to take care of yourself, and keep cultivating your hobbies and your identity outside of your professional life. Also, allow yourself to be supported by the people around you
Wishing Naiara the best ofgood luck on their qualifying exam and in their future endeavors!