PoSSUM 13 Members

Elizabeth Balga is a Mission Integration, Operations, and Test Engineer on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. During Starliner test flights and missions, she supports field operations as the Hatch and Spacecraft Operator and the Payloads Recovery Lead. Prior to Starliner, she completed multiple internships and rotations with Boeing on the Space Launch System, Ground-based Midcourse Defense System, and the 787. In 2019, she completed Boeing’s Engineering Career Foundations Program.

Ms Kim Gina Ellis is an International Lawyer & Space Research professional with a background in metals, mining and mineral processing in addition to expertise in Space Research, Technology & Law. The Chief Executive Officer and founder of International Earth & Space Technology, a private Australian company https://kimellis.mykajabi.com/ , Kim’s team delivers a range of specialist consultancy services for Universities, Corporate business and Professional Education providers in Europe, the USA and Australia. Kim is a specialist in designing and delivering Lunar, Interplanetary, Space Resource Utilisation, Innovation & International Space Law workshops in collaboration with NASA & ESA and STEM activities for students in the USA & Australia and online technical education programs.

Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio joined the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences in 2019. She earned her Doctorate in Molecular Genetics at California Institute of Technology, then continued her post-doctoral work on myotonic dystrophy at the Institute of Genetic Medicine at the University of California.   She mentors high school and middle school students and helps families with different learners through a non-profit organization she co-founded and co-directs called the Gift over Learning Differences Initiative (GoLD Initiative).  In 2020, she was recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Los Angeles Educator for Aspirations in Computing. Dr. Gonzalez was born and raised in the South Bronx, New York, and is a wife, mother, researcher, educator, amateur magician, and Solar System Ambassador.

Heidi Hammerstein is a bi-lingual, multi-degreed, published engineer with a BS in aerospace engineering (Cal Poly ’91) and seventeen years of aerospace engineering - R&D, flight test, performance, systems engineering, and project management experience. Heidi has worked for six different aerospace entities including Gulfstream Aerospace, Boeing, NASA, McDonnell- Douglas, Grob Luft und Raumfahrt, and the United States Air Force. Also an experienced scientist, Heidi holds research-based MS degrees in molecular biology (UNT ’04) and environmental engineering (Georgia Tech ‘13), focusing on laboratory, and protocol development for biomolecular space and planetary-based research. A licensed pilot and scuba diver, Heidi is a space and planetary exploration enthusiast with a passion for the advancement of the commercial space industry. She is an active scientific member, and astronaut candidate for Project PoSSUM training for suborbital missions to conduct in situ studies of Polar Mesospheric Clouds.

Rachel developed a love of astronomy at a young age. Growing up on a farm allowed for an amazing view of the night sky.  Unfortunately, a move to the city added a lot of light pollution.  Eventually, RC got her own telescope and learned new ways to study the sky with radio astronomy.  She became a certified amateur radio operator and is currently working to combine optical and radio images of outer space. Rachel joined Project PoSSUM in class 1901. Following her dream, she earned her private pilot’s license and achieved Padi’s Master Scuba Diver’s training to understand the unique challenges and needs of spacesuits. Rachel is building upon a strong background in space science and cybersecurity.  Her current endeavors are founded on an extensive academic background with a BA in Political Science from LaGrange College, an MSc in Space Management from the International Space University in Strasbourg, France, and a MA in Intelligence with a cyber focus from the American Military University.  Currently, RC is pursuing a BS in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Morgan Kainu graduated with her BA in Anthropology from the University of North Texas (UNT) in 2019 and is a certified Applied Anthropologist. She is a veteran analog astronaut of four missions and has held roles as Crew Health and Safety Officer, Lead Flight Director for Remote Mission Support, Commander, Journalist, Geologist/Scientist, and Ethnographer by way of Mars Academy USA/AvatarMedic and the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS).

Megan Kane decided she was bound for Mars as a teen. Her life is dedicated to learning skills and honing abilities she will need for a life on Mars. In addition to her Masters of Science from the International Space University she has worked with the International Space Safety foundation, Madam Mars, Spire Global, Mars One, the Mars Desert Research Station, NASA’s HERA research project, and Project Possum to name a few. From a young age she has worked to encourage others to pursue their dreams and goals around the world first through 4-H where she was a youth leader. then as an adult 4-H leader and assistant scoutmaster for Boyscouts, and later as a Peace Corps Volunteer in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently she started her own podcast, Megan2Mars, to share her love for and knowledge of space. She is excited to be a 2021 Possum 13 Ambassador.  

Catherine’s interest in aviation and space flight started in childhood. She went to Cape Canaveral for this first time when she was 8. She has been a pilot for over 30 years. She holds a H. BSc. and MSc from the University of Guelph focused on human biology and then muscle biology. Further doctoral work was completed in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Iowa State University. Her early career was a series of leadership roles in health care, from public health, regional health delivery and finishing in an advisory role to the provincial Minister of Health. Building on her expertise in data management and technology she transitioned to a professional services technology consultancy eventually becoming the CIO of a large academic hospital. She currently owns a consultancy focused on global technology implementations.

Starr Schroeder graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is currently a Registered Nurse citizen-scientist. She graduated Project PoSSUM Advanced Academy in 2018. Starr is a member of the Association of Spaceflight Professionals where she is co-lead for research involving medical guidelines in commercial space flight participants. Her team presented “Medical Guidelines for Commercial Space Flight: A Review” at the International Astronautical Congress in October 2019. Additionally, she is a member of the Aerospace Medical Association, National Space Society and the Moon Village Association. She is a Master’s candidate in Human Factors in Aerospace at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her publications include chapters on Spaceflight Nutritional Support, Future Trends in Spacesuits, as well as The Lunar Environment (in review). Starr is involved in multiple collaborations including research related to ECG changes during parabolic flight. Her goal is to incorporate her experience in medicine into her love for space by assisting the development of space medicine in current and future space exploration. Her outreach focus aims to bring STEM opportunities to students in under-served and urban areas.

Aimee Valliere is currently a student at the University of Arizona, studying GIS, Computer Science, and Aeronautics. She is also a STEM educator and science communicator, having taught at the Space Foundation in Colorado Springs, CO, Space Camp in Huntsville, AL, and The Mcauliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of space, science, and other STEM topics, and encouraging students, especially young women, to become more involved in STEM.