Graduating Student Spotlight: Nazende Ipek Kerkeser
Nazende Ipek Keskeser graduated this spring with her BS in Astronomy.
Having graduated with spring with her BS in Astronomy, Nazende Kerkeser reflects on her journey into the world of astronomy, from her childhood in Turkey dreaming of the stars to co-building the calibration system for the FIREBall-2 balloon mission—which went up in space!
“Chase your dreams with the same wonder and curiosity you have for the cosmos,” she says. “Let no challenge eclipse your passion.”
Read her full interview below.
What brought you to Steward Observatory?
My journey to Steward Observatory began in a small town in Turkey, where a little girl had dreams bigger than anyone around her could have imagined. Her passion for astronomy and unwavering determination helped her achieve what once seemed impossible. She made it!
Can you describe your research and any especially interesting learning experiences you’ve had during your time here?
I work with a team on ultraviolet instrumentation, which has given me the opportunity to engage in everything from hands-on instrument building to intensive data analysis. The most valuable lesson I've learned is that the hardest challenges become easier when you love and support your team.
What's your greatest point of pride from your time at Steward?
I co-built the calibration system for FIREBall-2 (the faint intergalactic-medium red-shifted emission balloon) with Dr. Jessica Li, which flew in September 2023, so something I touched went up to space (technically!).
Can you share piece of wisdom from your time as an astronomy student?
Chase your dreams with the same wonder and curiosity you have for the cosmos, and don't let any ripple throw you off course. Let no challenge eclipse your passion. Remember, the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning of an infinite journey among the stars, and every step is worth it.
What’s next?
Grad school!
We’re excited to celebrate our students who graduated this semester. Stayed tuned for more Spotlight profiles on Steward Observatory graduates, and follow our social media channels for more insight into the lives of our students, staff and faculty.