Student Researcher Team

Student Researcher Highlight

Aurelia Klunder

Aurelia Klunder is a graduating senior at George Mason University, majoring in physics with a concentration in astrophysics, and pursuing dual minors in photography and computational data science. She contributes to the mission through data analysis, supporting its scientific objectives with her technical expertise. 

Aurelia joined the mission after being invited by Peter Plavchan, the Principal Investigator, following her successful completion of one of his courses. She was drawn to the project by its unique opportunity to advance calibration methods in observational astronomy. 

Looking ahead, Aurelia is eager to see the mission through its remaining phases and anticipates the launch with excitement, particularly the insights it will bring to observational astronomy and astrophysics. Upon graduating this spring, she plans to begin her career in data analysis and scientific computing within the field of astronomy.

Outside of her academic and research pursuits, Aurelia enjoys photography and is actively involved in both playing and coaching soccer. We thank Aurelia for her valuable contributions to the mission and wish her continued success as she begins her professional career.