• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2025

• Williams College, Astrophysics and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, ‘26

• Host Institution: Aurelia Institute

• Mentor: TBD

• Brookie Mentor: TBD

Valeria is a rising senior at Williams College, double majoring in Astrophysics and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Growing up in Honduras, where there was little representation or resources to pursue space, she quickly discovered that science is most impactful when it includes diverse voices.

In summer 2023, she interned at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), researching the historical development of telescopes in the United States and South Africa. That project showed her how much scientific progress relies on bringing together different perspectives—whether from local communities, engineers, or policy experts.

Eager to continue exploring every side of astrophysics, Valeria spent summer 2024 at Princeton University, where she worked on modeling active galactic nuclei (AGN). During that same summer, she was awarded the Class of 2006 & 2009 International Public Service Project grant by Williams College, securing $4,000 to collaborate with faculty and students in Guatemala City. This effort—run through her nonprofit, NINE hub—aims to offer advanced astronomy curricula and mentorship to undergraduates in a region without formal astronomy degrees.

On campus, Valeria is heavily involved in hands-on design and outreach. She leads engineering projects for the Williams College Robotics Club, organizes stargazing nights with the P.U.L.S.A.R. Astronomy Club, and founded Wavelength to promote inclusion in physics and astronomy. She also works at the Williams Makerspace, teaching workshops on 3D printing, CAD, and CNC routing to help fellow students turn their ideas into reality. Most recently, she was selected as a Gaudino Fellow in the Moroccan Saharan dessert for the winter of 2025 where she aims to write and publish her first children’s book inspired by her experience.

In spring 2025, Valeria will contribute to the MIT Science Policy Review, examining how large telescope projects can affect local and Indigenous communities—an interest sparked by her time at NRAO.

She’s also honored to be part of the Brooke Owens Fellowship Class of 2025, through which she’ll intern at the Aurelia Institute this coming summer. There, she hopes to merge her data analysis background with an emerging passion for space architecture, drawing on her gender studies knowledge to advocate for safe and inclusive design practices in orbit. Long-term, Valeria plans to pursue a Ph.D., expanding on her blend of astrophysics research, community engagement, and policy work. She’s grateful for the support of the Brooke Owens Fellowship as she takes the next steps in her journey—and she can’t wait to see where the stars lead her.