KATRINA SLETTEN

• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2018

• Drake University, Astronomy, Physics, & Public Relations, ‘18

• Host Institution: Museum of Flight

• Mentor: Emily Calandrelli

Katrina Sletten studied at Drake University majoring in physics, astronomy and public relations with a minor in mathematics. Her interest in space was sparked at an early age when she was exposed to the wonders of space by her uncle, an amateur astronomer and engineer. Katrina’s interests in astronomy and the sciences grew exponentially as her parents took her to explore science museums and tinker with science kits.

At her school, Katrina served as the president of the Drake Society of Physics Students (SPS) and continues to be an active member in the chapter. She was also a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and wrote for both her school magazine, the Annual, and the Physics and Astronomy Department newsletter. As well, Katrina has worked on two research projects during her time at Drake, studying the morphology of Seyfert galaxies and a student-lead project developing a feasible radiation shield for interplanetary travel. She can be found spending her Friday nights at the Drake Municipal Observatory where she operates telescopes and engages the public with the wonders of the night sky.

As a Brooke Owens Fellow, Katrina worked at the Museum of Flight with their Digital Learning Department. She collaborated with an educator to adapt material science and astronomy curriculum to support student participation in a five-week MIT Zero Robotics competition experience and did site-based event coordination and outreach with presenters for the Western Aerospace Scholars Summer Program.