Émilie Laflèche

Graduate Student, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

What are you are studying/what you are interested in studying and/or researching while at Purdue? If you have done internships or other applicable experiences, feel free to include them here.

My PhD research uses a combination of biogeochemical, photochemical, and radiative transfer models to investigate the impacts of seasons on the viability of animal-grade complexity and prospects for life detection on Earth-like exoplanets. I’m also an analog astronaut and conducted two research projects during my last mission: GRAVELS, where my crew and I designed and tested 3D-printed tools for in-situ planetary science research, and TEMPLE, where we studied the growth of lettuce crops in soils treated with meteorite powder.

What made you want to join the Leading Women Toward Space Careers program?

I’ve always sought out community in other students studying space-related topics, especially other young women who can relate to the highs and lows of our chosen career paths. As a first-gen student, I also deeply value the role that mentorship has played in my life thus far. Leading Women Toward Space Careers combines both of these into one program, and I’m so excited to see what kinds of opportunities await us! 

What area would you like to work in after graduation? (What career path, interests, opportunities, etc., would you like to accomplish? What field are you interested in?)

Following my Ph.D., I aim to work on the science team of an exoplanet life detection mission and apply to become an astronaut. I’m equally passionate about space ethics/policy and plan to meaningfully incorporate this into my career, such as by advocating for improved international policies on the peaceful and sustainable treatment of outer space alongside my scientific participation in governmental space programs.