Help Me Attend the International Space University & Reach for the Stars! ✨

My Journey

I think the night sky was my first companion. As a child, I would look up and converse with the moon before falling asleep, a habit that stuck with me. The vastness beyond our world always intrigued me, making me feel connected to something bigger. When my elementary school assigned a science project, I instinctively chose Saturn—I was drawn to space without even realizing it. But back then, it was just a distant dream. That all changed when I received an offer to pursue a PhD in Biological Sciences with a focus on space studies. One day, while discussing our project, my supervisor, Ted Allison, turned to me and asked, “Have you ever thought about being an astronaut?” At that moment, everything clicked. This wasn’t just an interest—it was my calling. I realized that space wasn’t just something to admire; it was something I could be a part of. And I will be.

Figure 1. A big graduation cap and an even bigger dream!

My goal is to help shape the future of Canada’s contribution to space—not only as a Canadian but also as a woman with a passion for science, with a vision to lead in the space industry. My journey begins this June with the Space Studies Program at the International Space University (ISU)—an opportunity that will provide the foundation for my career in space exploration. However, I need your support to make this dream a reality.

What is the Space Studies Program?

The Space Studies Program (SSP25) is a 9-week, intensive, highly respected program that brings together space experts worldwide to provide hands-on education in engineering, sciences, space law, policy, humanities, and much more. This year, the program will take place in Seoul, South Korea. It’s especially exciting because it’s designed for professionals entering or transitioning into the space industry, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with experts and gain practical experience as I take the next step in my space career.

SSP alumni have gone on to work in leading space agencies, research institutions, and space technology companies. Attending this program would give me the knowledge and network I need to contribute meaningfully to space biology and spaceflight research. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain insight into the many fields of space studies and collaborate with like-minded individuals who will shape the future of space exploration.

Figure 2. Having the chance to meet and talk with inspiring astronauts Joshua Kutryk and Shawna Pandya.

Why I Need Your Help

The cost of the program is 20,000 euros (~35,000 CAD), and I am incredibly fortunate to have received a 10,000 euros (~15,000 CAD) scholarship from the European Space Agency. However, I am responsible for covering the remaining 10,000 euros, plus the cost of flights. Since I have not officially started my PhD yet, the University of Alberta cannot provide financial support for this opportunity. That’s why I am reaching out for help. Any support, whether it be through a donation or simply sharing my campaign, will bring me closer to making this experience possible.

Figure 3. SSP25 Admission Letter! Yippie!

Why Support Me?

My interest in space medicine truly began when my lab was invited to participate in a project that would send zebrafish to the International Space Station as part of a Czech-led research study. That experience opened my eyes to the crucial role biology plays in space exploration. With space missions becoming more frequent, important questions arise: How can life be sustained in space? What health risks do astronauts face in microgravity? How does radiation affect the brain, and how can we protect those traveling beyond Earth’s atmosphere?

These questions fuel my research.

This fall, I will begin my PhD in Biological Sciences, where I will investigate how microgravity and radiation impact brain injury progression and explore potential treatments. This work could contribute to a better understanding of human health risks during long-term space missions and aid in the development of countermeasures to ensure astronaut safety and performance in space. My research will involve parabolic flights, geotechnical centrifuges, and radiation machines to study post-traumatic brain injury impacts, with the hope of one day launching my own experiments to the International Space Station through the Canadian Space Agency.

Figure 4. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Honours in Neuroscience (with distinction) from the University of Alberta in 2024. For my thesis, I was given the freedom to develop my own research direction, designing experiments to examine the effects of traumatic brain injury on cognition. This work was challenging but incredibly fulfilling, and strengthened my passion for research. Ah good times.

Figure 5. Presenting my thesis in front of an audience at the R.E Peter Conference- Exhilarating

How the Space Studies Program Will Help Me

This program is a crucial stepping stone in my journey toward working in the space industry. While my background in neuroscience and biology has given me a strong foundation, my undergraduate degree was not focused on space studies. There is still so much for me to learn— everything from space engineering to legislations, policies, and the ethical considerations of space exploration. The interdisciplinary nature of the Space Studies Program will allow me to broaden my expertise while working alongside world-renowned experts and future leaders in the field.

More than just a learning experience, this program will immerse me in a global community of passionate individuals who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. I deeply admire the people who are currently shaping the space industry, as well as those who are striving to break into it. Pursuing something bigger than ourselves requires a rare kind of curiosity, courage, and resilience. Being part of the Space Studies Program will allow me to grow and contribute to the collective dream of space exploration.

How You Can Help

Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings me one step closer to attending SSP. If you are able to donate, I would be deeply grateful for your support. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing my campaign with others is just as valuable.

As a thank you, I will be sharing exclusive updates from the program and keeping you all updated on my journey!

This opportunity means everything to me, and I am beyond grateful for any support that helps make it a reality. Thank you for believing in me and for being part of my journey. Let’s reach for the stars together. ✨