Collegiality and Scholarship Spotlight - Sophia Zaccarine
Sophia is a 3rd year PhD student studying Aerospace Engineering. Her research focuses on functional allocation of nominal operations in increasingly autonomous deep space habitats. Sophia was recently awarded a Collegiality and Scholarship Award based on her contributions to the research or creative community. We asked Sophia a few questions to learn more about her as a scholar and get to know her better. Read more below!
What is a useful research or creative skill you think everyone should have?
Pursuing multiple interests! Being a good researcher does not mean you have to only want to do research 24/7. My colleagues are all incredibly talented at a number of athletic, artistic, and musical endeavors outside of our technical research, and I believe that enhances what we can bring to the table for research.
Why is your research or creative work important to the community or world at large?
Automation is increasing in all of our daily lives and interactions with technology. We've all had an annoying experience with a robotic phone agent, and clearly it is important we incorporate autonomous technology in a way that is more than being bothersome. My research intends to evaluate interactions between humans and autonomous technology, as well as teaming options, which has numerous applications outside of aerospace.
What does an ideal research or creative community look like to you?
One that is inclusive, humble, uplifting and encourages interests and mental wellbeing outside of work. I believe we are all engaged in varying topics and this is part of what makes us who we are. I don't think anyone is just categorized as what they do for work, and encouraging pursuits outside of one's career make life more enriching.
Tell us a fun fact about you that is not related to your research or academics.
I play for the CU Women's Club Soccer program and I absolutely love it. I also stress bake far too often but thankfully have multiple offices of coworkers where I can share my creations.