President Natalia Porraz
she/her
Junior, 2nd year eBoard
Astronomy & Physics Major, Math Minor
Hi! My name is Natalia Porraz, and I am a third-year international student from Mexico double majoring in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Physics and minoring in Mathematics. This year I will be serving as President of the Astronomical Society and last year I served as Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Retention. I also serve as Programming Chair of the SciAccess Zenith Mentorship Program, another student org on campus that promotes mentorship for blind and low vision high school students interested in space science. My main research interests are Galactic and Stellar structure and evolution. Last year, I worked with Professor Don Terndrup on low mass stars and this summer I’m working with Professor Laura Lopez on galactic winds.
Outside of classes, I spend most of my free time outdoors. I really enjoy rock climbing and I am planning on joining the rock-climbing club at OSU this semester. I’ve also been on a few hiking and backpacking trips, I go surfing often when I’m in Mexico, and I have a skateboard that I need to practice how to ride. I also want to try skydiving, kayaking, scuba diving and water skiing sometime. I also enjoy reading and watching all kinds of movies.
I am very excited to be serving as President of Astro Society this year and I look forward to meeting new people! 🙂
Vice President of Events Harrison Blake
he/him
Junior, 2nd year eBoard
Astronomy & Physics Major
Hello! I’m Harrison, and I am the Vice President of Events. For the most part, my interest in astronomy was sparked while watching the original Cosmos and reading science fiction as a kid. A K-12 education and a semester of college later, a friend of mine managed to get me involved here. Astro Society has been an amazing outlet for my immense passion for the subject ever since I joined. Not only that, I have made fantastic friends throughout my tenure here and memories I will never forget. I am thrilled to be serving on the eBoard to help make this next year fantastic for everyone.
In my spare time, I mostly like to write science fiction (go figure), read, bike, cook, camp, play the cello, and compose (decent-ish) music. If you want to talk about any of that (or, you know, astronomy), I’m more than happy to chat.
See you out there!
Secretary Anya Phillips
they/she
Junior, 1st year eBoard
Astronomy & Physics Major, Math Minor
Hi, I’m Anya, and I’m a third-year majoring in Physics and Astronomy and minoring in Math. I first became interested in astrophysics after watching Brian Greene’s NOVA documentary about Relativity in middle school and am amazed every day that I get to study it in school now. In my free time I like taking ballet classes (I wanted to be a professional dancer before I wanted to be an astrophysicist), playing the piano, listening to music, and taking mental health walks.
I first joined Astro Society the summer before my first year at Ohio State and am incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had and friends I’ve made through it since then. I’m so excited to be part of your executive board and to make this year another great one.
Treasurer Kaia Atzberger
she/her
Junior, 1st year eBoard
Astronomy Major, Dance Minor, Planetary Science Certificate
Hi, my name is Kaia Atzberger! I’m a third-year astronomy major and the treasurer for Astro Society this year. Outside of this organization, I am also a part of the Zenith Mentoring Program and Momentum Contemporary Ballet. I joined Astro Society my freshman year and loved every part of it! Some of my favorite memories are our annual Green Bank trip, JGAP visits, and game nights. I’m also incredibly thankful for the friends I’ve made in this group!
I first became interested in astronomy after completing a research project about Pluto in middle school (a topic I am still quite passionate about). I’ve since completed more official research involving the analysis of star clusters using the GAIA mission and cosmological observables using the DESI survey.
I’m excited to be a part of the executive board this year, meeting new faces, and making many more fun memories!
Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, and Retention (IDR) Maya Legersky
they/them
Sophomore, 1st year eBoard
Astronomy & Physics Major
Hi, I’m Maya Legersky, a second-year physics and astro double major and the Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, and Retention. I first got involved with Astro Society at the beginning of my freshman year and absolutely loved our stargazing trips and the friendly atmosphere of the club!
I first discovered my interest in astronomy by watching Cosmos and How the Universe Works in elementary school, and since I joined Astro Society, I have been able to explore and grow my passion for astrophysics even more. Outside of Astro society, I am also involved in the Society of Physics Students and OHYCJ, a climate change activism group. I also spend my free time listening to music, playing viola, drawing, and stargazing!
Since joining Astro Society, I have met so many wonderful people and have found an amazing environment to explore my interests in space and beyond. As the VP of IDR, I hope to make this club and even safer and more accepting place for anyone with a passion for learning about our universe and look forward to seeing all of you!
Vice President of Media Nicole Fedor
she/her
Junior, 1st year eBoard
Astronomy & Physics Major
Heyo, I’m Nicole and I’m serving as Astro Society’s VP of Media! Along with the other officers, I want to make this organization as informational and inspirational as possible, especially since I run the social medias and website. Astronomy is a field of science that gives many opportunities for everyone, whether you are majoring in it or just you simply have some sort of interest.
As for me and my interest in astronomy, it started when I was very young because of the influence of my nerd dad. He worked, and still does work, at NASA Glenn up in Cleveland, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever as a kid. I’ve loved all things space and sci-fi ever since I could remember because of that! Since then, I’ve been trying to shape my own path in the astronomy field. Having people inspire and support you is great, but believing in yourself and going at your own pace is really what can lead to success!
My other interests include art, animals (especially cats), and having a good time with people that I can relate to! Trust me, this society is great for people who need a safe place to be themselves. Even as an awkward introvert, I really thrive as a student and as a person because of this great environment!
Let’s make it a great year! 💫🪐