Spotlight: Hina Suzuki, College of Science Outstanding Senior in Astronomy
This fall, the College of Science recognized ten outstanding seniors for their contributions in and out of the classroom. Hina Suzuki is this semester's recipient from Astronomy & Steward Observatory. This award celebrates Hina's exceptional achievements during her time in the Department of Astronomy, where she has distinguished herself through groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and dedicated service to the astronomy community.
After studying at a technical institute in Japan, Hina made the bold decision to restart her academic career in the United States to pursue her passion for astronomy. Since joining the University of Arizona as an Astronomy major with an Electrical & Computer Engineering minor, she has published two research papers, earned repeated recognition on the Dean's List, and secured competitive positions including a summer internship at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and a role at FreeFall Aerospace. Her research spans from investigating photon rings around exotic black hole-like objects to developing sophisticated calibration algorithms for the Event Horizon Telescope's digital systems.
“Hina is an outstanding student, a promising young scientist, and a person of remarkable determination and creativity,” said Steward Observatory Associate Astronomer Chi-Kwan Chan, noting her “rare ability to think simultaneously like an astronomer, a numerical algorithm designer, and a hardware-aware engineer.”
Beyond her research, Hina has demonstrated outstanding leadership through her work with TIMESTEP, mentoring peers and strengthening support for students in astronomy and physics.
Hear about her journey in her own words, below!
Why did you choose to study Astronomy?
Astronomy has always been my passion, and the Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona offered such a wide range of research opportunities that I knew I could explore both engineering and science there. Growing up as the curious daughter of engineers, I naturally gravitated toward problem-solving and hands-on work. That combination led me to major in Astronomy with a minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), allowing me to blend my scientific curiosity with my love for engineering.
Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed.
I loved how my classes and research complemented each other: new knowledge from coursework constantly sparked scientific questions, and research pushed me to learn even more. My biggest passion is understanding our universe, so I’ve especially enjoyed my work on black holes and other exotic objects. But what excites me even more is integrating novel techniques, such as quantum computing and machine learning, which I explored through my ECE classes.
What is one specific memory from your time at U of A you’ll cherish forever?
I’ll always cherish the small conversations I had with people throughout Tucson. More than the skills and knowledge I gained, it’s the human connections that meant the most. In my first year, I focused on reaching out to professors whose work inspired me, building strong relationships with classmates, and finding friends I could rely on. Those connections eventually led to internships, research opportunities, and a support network I’m deeply grateful for.
What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at U of A?
I am most proud of discovering both my passion and my capacity. During my time at UA, I rediscovered my strong passion for astronomy and gained clarity about the kind of scientist and engineer I want to become. I also earned opportunities, such as interning at a national observatory, where I contributed both as a scientist and as an engineer. I’m proud to have built a background that spans both fields, and even more proud that I can bring those strengths together to pursue the research I truly care about.
What is next for you after graduation?
I am taking a semester break from classes to focus on my research projects and spend time with friends and family visiting from Japan. My next step is to pursue a Ph.D. in astronomy, and I am currently applying to graduate programs. I hope to begin my Ph.D. in Fall 2026.
