Hello! My name is Lorena Sanabria and currently, I am a freshman at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) pursuing a degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics with minors in Computer Science and Russian Studies.

Why Astronomy and Astrophysics?

The answer to that is easy. Ever since I was a little girl in Colombia, I would point the moon to my parents and ramble on about how I want to go there one day. The love for physics was born about a decade later when I started reading Stephen Hawking. I combined my love for astronomy and physics and out came astrophysics! To this day, I still point to the moon and I tell myself I want to go there. My big aspiration is to be an astronaut as well, I definitely hope to stand on the moon one day. After I accomplish that, I hope to do research and study the mysteries of our universe.

Skills-

I would say I am a very creative and resourceful person. Whenever I need to fix something, whether it’s something on my computer’s program or around the house, I will examine and try to fix it myself. I am not afraid of asking for help as long as I tried.

I played the violin for 7 years and worked as a violin teacher and taught children basic violin skills. Most of my work experience involves little kids, especially teaching them. I was also a tutor at Kumon. I taught math and reading to kids ages 4 to 12. As a hobby, I paint and draw, sometimes I’ll just paint my own clothes.

I have also learned how to use MATLAB and I have taken classes using Photoshop .

Groups/Memberships-

During my first semester here at ERAU, I played intramural volleyball and joined the astronomy club!

I believe this project is very relevant to me because I think that being in the science field, it is important to know a little bit of everything. I believe it is important to expand our horizons. I truly believe I am going to learn a lot from this project and I am 100% willing to put all my effort and creativity.

Fun facts-

  • I was born in Colombia! I lived there up until I was 8 and have been living in Florida ever since.
  • My favorite book is Frankenstein.
  • My favorite movies are Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
  • I know the entire periodic table by heart.