Skylar Larsen is a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), majoring in Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS); within her department, she concentrates in planetary science and astronomy. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school, obtain a Doctorate degree, and research exoplanet detection and atmospheric spectroscopy. During her time at EAPS, she has observed planetary nebulae, main-belt asteroids, and Pluto at the Wallace Astrophysical Observatory. She was recognized as an EAPS Undergraduate Achievement Award winner in 2022 for her focused coursework and leadership within the department.

Outside of research, Skylar is a dedicated mentor and science communicator. As a San Diego native, she has mentored students within Boyce Astro, an astronomy program within the Boyce Research Initiatives and Education Foundation (BRIEF), which empowers high school students to publish their own research. She is also an ambassador for the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO); her ambassador work has included education, outreach, research, and graphic design. Finally, she is an experienced teaching assistant and tutor for Calculus I and II within MIT’s Experimental Study Group. In these ways, Skylar hopes to provide resources to students of all backgrounds, and encourage them to engage in all aspects of the scientific community.