From a very young age, I was curious about the origin of things. When I took my first physics class in high school, it seemed to me that physics was the best way to answer many of the big questions I had about the origin of the Universe, humanity’s place in it, and the fundamental workings of nature. I came to learn that science does not have the complete answer to all my questions. But science — astronomy, in particular — continues to motivate me, because it deepens my appreciation for the Universe, and it has allowed me to work with some incredibly inspiring, creative people.

As a professor, I work with graduate students, teach, and cultivate my research program. My primary field of research is star formation. I study “stellar nurseries” — the birthplaces of stars — in the Milky Way and in other galaxies in the Universe. I use telescopes and theoretical tools to figure out how stellar nurseries form and evolve and go on to give birth to stars. In addition, being an artist has positively contributed to my science.

I’m the founder and director of Onaketa, an organization that provides free educational services for black and brown youth. Onaketa’s core program is free STEM tutoring for these students. I consider my work with Onaketa to be some of my most meaningful and important work, because it is all about giving young people opportunities to be their best, and showing them that there are people who care for them.

Make sure to have fun with your journey!

Nia Imara
Professor of Astronomy, UC Santa Cruz; Founding Director, Onaketa; Artist
Born in United States / Resides in United States
Educational Background: BAs in Physics and Math, Kenyon College; PhD in Astrophysics, UC Berkeley; Postdoctoral Fellowship in Astrophysics, Harvard University, United States