#WebbTelescopeWomen Antonella Nota

Antonella Nota, ESA Hubble/Webb project scientist and head of ESA office in Baltimore, USA

What is your role in Webb?

I want to understand how young massive stellar clusters form and evolve. I use Hubble, ground based observatories, and I hope to use Webb as well. My job is to engage the European community in the best scientific utilization of Webb. I am also very passionate about communicating science to the public.

Why are you excited about Webb?

I believe that the combination of superb sensitivity and the ability to observe in infrared will allow Webb to show us a completely different view of the Universe. It will revolutionize our understanding of many astrophysical phenomena, exactly like Hubble did in 30 years of observations.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Being part of one splendid mission (Hubble) and contributing to the next extraordinary observatory (Webb).

Did you have a mentor during your career, and if so, how did they inspire you?

I did not have a mentor at the beginning of my career, but I acquired one later on. He is still my reference point, my best sounding board. I missed having had a mentor when I started, so that is why I am now mentoring many young women in their early career phases.

What advice could you offer to young people thinking of pursuing a career in STEM?

Follow your passion, set your own path, be focused, be determined, work hard, and reach for the stars.

The 2021 International Women’s Day theme is “Choose to Challenge”. What are the biggest challenges you’ve fought to overcome in your career?

Gender equity. I grew up in an era where female students were not allowed in the observatory because they would break the instrumentation. We came a long way, but much work still needs to be done to achieve full equity.