#WebbTelescopeWomen Nimisha Kumari
Nimisha Kumari, Astronomer at ESA and the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)
What is your role in Webb?
I am an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), which is the operation centre for Hubble and Webb. I am currently a member of the ESA science and operations team for Webb at the STScI and an associate in Webb’s international research collaborations for the NIRSpec instrument (JADES and WIDE).
Why are you excited about Webb?
One of the science goals of Webb is to observe the epoch of reionization: when the first galaxies and the first stars formed. I developed a deep interest in this topic in 2013 when I did my first research project in astronomy, which introduced me to spectroscopy. Webb will revolutionise astronomy by providing us with the spectra of the first galaxies formed in the Universe. I am now involved in the commissioning, operation and research activities of Webb after a long wait of seven years. It is satisfying to know that my Webb-related efforts will push the frontiers of human knowledge and understanding of our origins.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I had only dreamt and never knew that I would get an opportunity to support the commissioning of Webb. But it seems like “dreams do come true”. I started my current job as an ESA/AURA astronomer in the Webb team in October 2020. That was just a year before the current launch date. It is exhilarating to be part of such a grand event in the history of modern astronomy. It also feels good that my parents are proud of me being the only Asian in the ESA Webb science and operations team.
Did you have a mentor during your career, and if so, how did they inspire you?
My love and passion for astronomy inspired me to become an astronomer. I have been very fortunate to be supported by several mentors who helped me get closer to my goal at different stages in my career. They have helped me by showing confidence in my potentials, by providing advice to deal with complicated/unique situations and, through quality discussions that shaped my personality, thoughts, and vision for the future.
What advice could you offer to young people thinking of pursuing a career in STEM?
No matter who you are and where you were born, pursue a career in STEM subjects if that is what you want.
The 2021 International Women’s Day theme is “Choose to Challenge”. What are the biggest challenges you’ve fought to overcome in your career?
At each step in my career/life, there has been some form of challenge. For example, I come from one of most underdeveloped states in India; I grew up in a place where there were probably only a couple of book shops at that time, and there is no train station to date. There was no library in the school I went to for seven years. I wanted to be an astronomer, and I had never seen a telescope until I finished my Bachelor’s degree. When I went to France for my Master’s degree, I was the only girl in my section of about thirty students. While doing my PhD in England and my current job in the US, challenges were/are different. Sometimes they shook my confidence, but every time I overcame them, I became more and more confident, and I certainly learnt a lot during the process.
