Dr. Kelly Korreck is an astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, working on understanding the Sun. She is the science Co-I (co-investigator) and head of science operations for NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, as well as the project manager for the Solar Wind Electron Alpha and Proton (SWEAP) instrument.
How did you first become interested in physics/astronomy?
I was always interested in nature and science as a child. I loved the outdoors and loved to read. I read a lot as a child and focused on history and science. I was really interested in the Cold War (granted it was still going on when I was young). The use of science as a way to bridge communication between nations intrigued me. Being a voracious reader, I spent time in the science section of the library trying out books to do with NASA, the space program, far away galaxies, the planets in our solar system, and stars that explode—so many interesting pieces to explore!
I also have to give credit for my interest in astronomy to a sleepover with my girl scout troop at the
Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. They had us doing science experiments with colors of stars, taught us about the constellations, and I got to sleep by their human heart exhibit (It is large enough that you can walk through it as if you were the blood flowing through the heart!) It was the best sleepover (don’t recall if I really slept) and really got me excited about learning about the universe via mini experiments and observations!
Describe the first time you made a personal connection with the universe.
My first personal connection with the universe was through nature. My family camped a lot when I was a child and I spent much time in a lake, exploring and looking for frogs or fish. One night, I remember the call of loons at night and looking up at the stars. I was a little scared, yet comforted at the same time by their call and the hugeness of the sky. It felt very personal. I felt connected to a larger universe and small at the same time.
What has your career path been like since graduating with your PhD, and/or how did you choose your current institution?
My path looks like I had a plan but I did not! I started off with a postdoc at the
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I was applying for faculty positions and other postdocs, but just not finding anything. I was encouraged to give a talk by one of my mentors and then we discussed alternative careers afterwards. At that talk, my future boss approached me about an opportunity to work with his group. I said “yes” and I kept saying “yes” to things! I worked on the Hinode X-ray Telescope team, a sounding rocket, and for most of the last decade, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe’s
SWEAP instrument suite. During the pandemic and because Parker was steadily taking data, I was looking for a new challenge. I happened to hear about a position at NASA Headquarters for a Program Scientist rotation through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). It was a great fit working on mentoring the next generation of heliophysicists, as well as working on exciting new missions like
GLIDE, and heading up the NASA efforts for the 2023 Annular and 2024 Total Solar Eclipses!
What have been particularly valuable skills for your current job that you gained through completing your degree?
Although the technical parts of my degrees have served me well, the extracurricular activities and the seminar I attended on how to manage your thesis as a project was possibly the most widely applicable class I have taken. It taught me how to think of things in units and put the project unit to a schedule and assign resources. It has served me well in breaking down complex ideas into manageable ‘chunks’ and working through them to completion. This has helped me in both scientific research as well as managing rocket programs or instrument operations!
I also did many extracurricular activities such as working on large events for the university. That really comes in handy when you are trying to organize a bunch of folks to put together a scientific instrument!
How did you end up working in your field?
I really ended up working in the field because I kept persisting. There were many “nos'' along the way and I kept going and got to the “yeses”! It was about following what I found interesting and trying the next thing!
What are some of the challenges and rewards of working in your field?
There are definitely some great rewards! I have attended multiple rocket launches. I have the ability to travel widely to attend scientific meetings and have amazing colleagues all over the world. There is also the joy of discovering something new and of successfully launching an instrument into space!
Some of the challenges are limited time and money to do all the amazing projects I would like to work on and imposter syndrome that can really weigh me down if I don’t have folks around who support and believe in me.
How do you manage all of the different demands on your time? And/or how do you find time for your priorities outside of work?
Oooh, this is a lesson that I learned the hard way so I hope others can learn from it. I didn’t manage the demands and priorities well for about ten years. I focused on the next amazing conference and instrument, or paper and outreach event. Then, I realized that was not sustainable, so I tried to make very intentional and conscious choices. I followed some advice to put what matters most on my calendar first. I made sure to put in the dance or yoga classes I loved in my schedule and I blocked off weekends where I would not travel. I started shutting off my computer and my phone at 5:30 PM sharp and not checking until the next business day. I started getting eight hours of sleep and working out almost every day. All those little changes really added up to me being able to balance all the variety of things that I do in a day or week or month and made me much happier and more effective!
If you weren’t in your current field, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a paleontologist or in the foreign service working on international science policy and diplomacy.
Tell us about a favorite moment so far in your career.
There are many good ones! One of my favorites is spending time with Parker Solar Probe while she was in the clean room during integration and testing. We had finished testing for the day and were cleaning up. I just got to pause, take a deep breath, and realize this gorgeous satellite that was a mere six feet from me was going to be the closest human made object to the Sun one day. It is humbling to be that close to greatness!
Do you have any advice for students just starting their career in science?
Follow your own passion. There is no one path to ‘success’ in science. You get to define your success. And find little moments to rekindle that inspiration that brought you to science. Whether it is getting to code while rocking out to your favorite tunes or wrapping up all warm and going outside on a cold night and looking up at the stars, find little ways to remember the inspiration that got you here in the first place.
Describe your approach to job hunting, any networking resources you use, and any other advice/resources for early career professionals looking for positions in your field.
My approach has been to be curious and ask folks about what they are excited about at every chance I get. It helps me to know what folks are working on and what is new or up and coming in the field. I also have started asking who else I should talk to that might have interesting ideas. It is a good way to expand your network. I use LinkedIn for my networking as well as conferences.
One way I expanded my network when I was first starting out was seeking out senior scientists after their talk and asking them questions. I sent a follow up handwritten note to their office after the conference thanking them for their time. It was a way to really stand out and stay in touch.
What advice do you have for achieving work-life balance (including having a family)?
You will need to be intentional about it. Even the best, most family friendly workplace won’t know all your needs and what will work best for you, so lay out what you need and see how you can get some of your needs met. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and for time or flexibility to do what you and your family needs. There is no right or wrong time to do something that makes your heart sing, whether that is getting married, having kids, taking time to write a novel, taking a mental health day, and making sure your goals and dreams are a priority.
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