Confidence comes from moving forward with clarity and integrity, not from waiting for approval. I measure my path by meaningful work and values, not applause.
Juie Shetye, PhD · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Juie
Juie Shetye, PhD is an assistant professor of astronomy at New Mexico State University and Science Lead at the Sunspot Solar Observatory. She is a solar physicist specializing in space weather, with research focused on how solar activity such as flares, magnetic variability, and chromospheric dynamics affect Earth’s near-space environment. Her work combines high-resolution solar observations with data science, statistics, and AI/ML methods to improve nowcasting and risk assessment for satellites, aviation systems, and communication infrastructure. She also develops tools that connect fundamental solar physics to operational space-weather forecasting applications in collaboration with organizations such as NASA and the National Science Foundation.
She earned her academic foundation in physics and space science through studies at the University of Mumbai, University College London, and Queen’s University Belfast, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Warwick. Across these institutions—University of Mumbai, University College London, Queen's University Belfast, and University of Warwick—she built expertise in solar atmosphere modeling, observational astrophysics, and time-series analysis of solar phenomena. She later joined New Mexico State University in 2021, where she expanded her research program through federally funded initiatives, including support from NASA and the National Science Foundation.
Beyond research, Shetye is strongly committed to education, mentorship, and expanding access to STEM pathways for underrepresented and first-generation students. She leads research training programs that guide undergraduate and graduate students into space physics, AI-driven science, and NASA-relevant careers, emphasizing hands-on participation in funded research projects and scientific publishing. Her work integrates outreach and workforce development with scientific discovery, aiming to strengthen both the technical and human dimensions of heliophysics and space-weather research.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Juie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My grandmother who raised me and pushed me toward education and independence while my parents worked. She shared stories of fighting for India's freedom and inspired me to pursue opportunities she never had.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up fighting for your rights, believe in yourself and what you're doing, learn to navigate challenges without shutting up.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Have grit, and stand firm in who you are. Challenges will come, but courage is built by moving through them. Hold on to the spark in your heart, the one that drives you to dream, lead, and create change. No one can take that light away from you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is learning to lead with clarity and courage, even in spaces where you may be underestimated or misunderstood. Those moments can be difficult, but they also sharpen your purpose and teach you to build new pathways rather than wait for existing ones to open.
The opportunities in my field are extraordinary. Space weather is now deeply connected to national security, satellite resilience, aviation safety, communications, and critical infrastructure. That creates a powerful moment for scientists to collaborate across academia, industry, defense, and engineering, and to translate research into tools that serve society. I am also excited to be moving toward startup development with like-minded colleagues, where our scientific work can become practical, scalable solutions. For me, this is the future of the field: rigorous science, meaningful collaboration, and the courage to turn ideas into impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are empathy and integrity. Empathy helps me recognize the humanity and effort of the people around me, while integrity keeps me truthful to my research, my responsibilities, and myself. I see these values as deeply connected: empathy allows us to lead with compassion, and integrity ensures that our work and our choices remain honest, meaningful, and aligned with who we are.
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