Meet your CSWA: Rayna Rampalli

Born and raised in California, Rayna Rampalli (she/her) is a fifth-year NSF GRFP fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College. She graduated from Wellesley College with a bachelor's in astrophysics and spent two years doing astronomy research through Columbia

University's Bridge to the Ph.D. Program in STEM. With Prof. Elisabeth Newton, she is focused on completing her dissertation research - using stars as tools to understand the evolution of planets and our own Milky Way. Rayna is committed to making astronomy more inclusive and accessible. 

Describe the first time you made a personal connection with the planets and stars

Growing up in California, I didn’t have access to the darkest night skies (though you’d be surprised what you can see in Sacramento!). When I was nine years old, I attended a summer camp at a local science museum with a planetarium. All of us were always excited to spend time there learning about various constellations and how different cultures interpreted them and watching videos about our solar system. This shared interest in the universe united under one sky and the calmness of the planetarium has stayed with me over the years.

How did you end up working in the field?

I am definitely one of those people who never grew out of her childhood interests. But as a high schooler, I wanted to know what a career in astronomy was actually like and was lucky enough to attend the University of Arizona’s advanced astronomy camp led by Dr. Don McCarthy. We spent an entire week observing and analyzing data using the telescopes on Kitt Peak, and I definitely saw myself content to do this for the rest of my life!

Who inspires you?

At the beginning of graduate school, my advisor encouraged our research group to develop a mission statement for ourselves based on Dr. Lucianne Walkowicz’s workshops. In writing this, I realized how my goals to engage in open and inclusive science are a reflection of the incredible mentors I’ve had in my academic journey. They have guided me with a level of integrity, support, openness, and commitment to improving inclusion that have allowed me to feel like I deserve and belong in this field. The grit, resilience, and unwavering support of my family is also a daily inspiration to leave every space I enter better than I found it.

What community issues are important to you and why?

In the last decade, astronomy has made significant progress in identifying DEI issues and proposing recommendations. However, the execution of these initiatives can fall short and lead to a lack of true, sustainable change. To ensure meaningful impact, we need to incorporate expertise from programs like Movement Consulting and the expertise of social scientists to effectively implement and sustain these efforts. Additionally, while much of the focus in DEI efforts has rightly been on how identity impacts inclusion, we also need to consider more subtle forms of privilege, such as the advantages tied to certain institutions over others. Addressing these institutional inequities is crucial to creating a more level playing field. 

Tell us about a favorite moment so far in your career.

As a senior at Wellesley College, a few other physics majors and I started documenting how courses at Wellesley were historically designed to, and successfully did, support women pursuing physics and astronomy. I remember us digging through materials in the library archives and reading letters from Sarah Frances Whiting and Annie Jump Cannon, who was the first woman astronomer I ever learned about. It was truly a full circle and learning-from-history moment. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take the same career path as you?

Do not underestimate the power of collaboration and being unafraid to admit you do not know something. Seek opportunities to grow your mentorship network beyond your current institution.

What do you do for fun?

I love swimming both in the pool as part of the Upper Valley (UV) Rays masters swim team and in whatever various natural bodies of water I’m near at the moment. You can also usually find me watching the latest bad TV shows available on Netflix.

If you weren’t in the field of astronomy, what would you be doing?

I took a few American studies courses in college that were super fun and contextualized my own experiences as a South Asian woman of color. I would probably pursue a PhD in it to understand American society, history, and culture in all its diversity and complexity from an interdisciplinary perspective.

What changes would you like to see for women in astronomy?

I recently read this article about how women in academia end up doing all the “academic housework” at their institution. These inequities in labor begin as early as college and propagate to the larger systemic inequities we see in the field. I envision a world where this is longer the case. I also want to encourage the discourse that women are not a monolith and to value the unique contributions and identities women bring to astronomy, particularly women of color. 

What are your goals as a part of the CSWA?

I am excited to help the CSWA implement the many impactful projects outlined in its strategic plan. As an early-career researcher, I am also committed to increasing engagement and involvement from other early career folks with the CSWA and the other working groups in the AAS.