Arianna Japalucci

I attribute my success to the hands-on opportunities I've had through NASA-funded programs and my university, which taught me things I wasn't learning in traditional classes. Starting outreach work in my sophomore year truly helped me grow as a professional and gave me skills I never would have developed just sitting in lectures. Having to simplify complex astrophysics concepts for different audiences, from young kids to families with no science background, actually deepened my own understanding of the material. The close-knit community in our small program at Boise State gave me access to incredible opportunities like traveling to different states, networking with scientists, and even going to DC to advocate for science funding. I've also learned that taking the untraditional path in physics, focusing on outreach and education rather than just research, has been challenging for my confidence at times, but organizing events like the Stellar Collective conference showed me that I am a real professional in this field. Those experiences of connecting with my community and seeing the impact firsthand have been absolutely integral to who I am today.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to say “yes” to opportunities, even when they feel intimidating. Some of my most meaningful growth has come from stepping into roles I initially felt unprepared for—whether that was organizing a conference, leading outreach programs, or taking on new responsibilities in unfamiliar settings. Those experiences pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me build both confidence and capability.

I’ve learned that you don’t have to feel fully ready to take the next step. Growth often happens in the process, not before it. By saying “yes,” I’ve been able to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and discover strengths I didn’t realize I had.

That mindset continues to guide me today. It’s taught me to embrace challenges as opportunities, trust in my ability to learn, and remain open to paths I may not have originally planned—but that ultimately shape who I become in my career.

Don't let the statistics discourage you. I know that only about 20 to 25 percent of bachelor's degrees in physics are earned by women, and being a woman in physics can be very intimidating and daunting. I've seen people stop being in the program because they just don't feel comfortable or supported as women in the field. But I want you to know that there is a place for you here, and your perspective is needed. Having more representation and showing women that you can do this, that there's a place for you here, and that women do incredible work is so important to helping get more women into the field. The lack of diversity is one of the biggest challenges in physics and astrophysics right now, but it also presents a major opportunity to reshape the field by creating more inclusive pathways and outreach initiatives. So seek out those opportunities, stay curious, and remember that your voice and ideas are valuable in shaping the future of science.

One of the biggest challenges in physics and astrophysics right now is the lack of diversity and representation. The statistics are stark - only about 20 to 25 percent of bachelor's degrees in physics are earned by women, and that disparity affects how women are treated in the field and how they view themselves as scientists. I've personally known women who have left the program because they didn't feel comfortable or supported. But this challenge also presents a major opportunity to reshape the field by creating more inclusive pathways and outreach initiatives that inspire the next generation of scientists from all backgrounds. There's also a real need to make science more accessible to communities who think they can't do science or that it's not for them. When I tell people I study astrophysics, they often say 'oh, you must be so smart, I could never do that,' and I think that prevents people from entering the field even if they want to. We need to show people, especially from younger ages and from different backgrounds, that they can actually do this and that there's a place for them in science.

Accessibility is definitely my number one value. When I tell people I study astrophysics, they often say 'oh, you must be so smart, I could never do that,' and I feel like that prevents people from entering the field even if they want to. It's not about being smart - it's about having access to science experiences from a younger age that show people they can actually do this. I want to show people of different backgrounds that they have a place in science too, because being a woman in physics can be very intimidating, and I know women who have left the program because they didn't feel comfortable or supported. Showing women that there's a place for them here and that they do incredible work is so important to me. I also really value empathy, and that's guided me personally for a long time. Just being kind is so important, and being able to see things from a different perspective matters even in science. We work with communities that are very religious or don't necessarily agree with some things that NASA says, so we have to be open-minded to what others believe. When it comes to women in physics, it's so important to have empathy towards people who have gone through certain things and let them know that their feelings are valid. I think that makes us a better community, and that's especially important now with everything that's happening in the world.