Erika Hamden

Scientist

Dr. Erika Hamden is a distinguished astrophysicist and a tenured professor at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory. With expertise in constructing space and stratospheric telescopes, she is known for her leadership in advancing telescope technology. Dr. Hamden has been involved in projects like FIREBall-2 and is leading mission concepts such as Hyperion and Eos. Her work extends to mentoring early career scientists through initiatives like NASA's PI Launchpad and engaging in outreach efforts as a TED Fellow and AAAS If/then Ambassador. With a background in Astronomy and Astrophysics from Harvard and a PhD from Columbia University, she has received prestigious awards like a PECASE award and a Nancy Grace Roman Technology Fellowship. Dr. Hamden's research focuses on understanding the formation of galaxies, stars, and our own solar system, aiming to deepen our knowledge of the universe and foster appreciation for our world.

Space, the universe, doing the right thing, bringing up the people behind me.

Discovering more about the world and universe around us takes time, new technology, and an extreme tolerance for failure and messing up.

Astrophysics, Research, Science, Space telescope development

Yoga and cooking