• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2021

• University of Colorado Boulder, Chemical Engineering, ‘22

• Host Institution: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

• Mentor: Emily Calandrelli

• Brookie Mentor: Vicky Wooburn

Erica is currently a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder studying chemical engineering and hopes to pursue a career in scientific journalism after graduation. Within this field, she aims to focus her writing on the space industry and renewable energy.

Starting as early as elementary school, Erica was interested in both science and writing, but once she began her college education, she was having difficulty finding a career path that included both facets. When she discovered scientific journalism after taking a course on science writing, she knew she had found her path. She immersed herself in various journalism activities – to become accustomed with the field and to supplement her STEM-focused classes.

Whenever the opportunity presents itself, Erica writes about topics related to the space field, as a result of her interest in the industry and the science behind space travel. She hopes that by communicating science information to the public, she will be able to inspire younger generations of aspiring female scientists to pursue careers in space and other STEM fields. As a Brooke Owens Fellow, Erica will be working within the news and communications center creating and sharing content related to the work being done at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

At CU, Erica writes for the CU Independent where she completes stories for the news team, focusing on a variety of topics that pertain to the university. She also plays alto saxophone in the Golden Buffalo Marching Band in support of the football, basketball, and volleyball teams at their home games. In her spare time, Erica enjoys reading, listening to and playing music, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.