Fashioning the Future With: Rose DF

If you've taken a safe, self-distanced walk at night during these stressful times of ours, you've probably looked up at the night's sky. You've maybe appreciated it and our nearest neighbor, the moon, a little bit more than usual. We know we have, and that's why we are especially excited to have one of our favorite space nerds and moon evangelists on the blog today! It's Rose DF, also known on Twitter as @_Astro_Nerd_, and moongazing moon-pies, we couldn't be more, well, over the moon to interview her!

Rose is currently studying at the University of Arizona headed toward a PhD in a field related to observational astrophysics. Not only does Rose bring rad space knowledge to the table as a stellar SciComm-er, but her story on Earth also holds great value. Rose's upbringing and early adulthood were devoid of many privileges a lot of us take for granted — such as access to education and financial and domestic stability. Rose speaks candidly about her background on Twitter and has written about what she learned from her path online. Check out her Quartz article about the perception of GEDs in academia, for one example. We admire how Rose serves as an inspiration to anyone who wants to know more about the universe and how it works — but especially to those who endure great hardship on their way to doing so.

Rose also proves that hard work and perseverance can prevail. In fact, she recently earned a literary deal. Her STEM book for kids is based on her own life story; it will be about a young Dominican girl who befriends the moon. (Its release date is TBD, but we know we will be buying a copy as soon as it comes out!) In addition to author, Rose is also a sought-after space expert. She's given space talks and appeared on a variety of panels and podcasts. Outlets including Imagenes Dominicanas, Listin Diario, SyFy Wire have featured her.

We were thrilled to ask Rose about the mysteries of the universe, her thoughts on privilege, and what advice she has during the pandemic. Meet Rose DF, lunar evangelist.

When did you first know you were a scientist?

That’s hard to say, because even though I always wanted to know the how and why of everything, I didn’t really know that this had a name, or that women were allowed to do it. So, I guess I’ve always been a scientist at heart and mind, I just gave it a name in my early 20s.

What first drew you to observational astrophysics?

I realized that in order for me to study the cosmos the way I want to I was going to need astrophysics and cosmology, but I’m the type who adores images of the Universe. In fact, the Hubble Space Telescope is one of my obsessions. So, I recently discovered that there is such a thing as observational astrophysics which focuses not only on understanding the cosmos, but also in turning data into the beautiful images I sometimes share on my social media. I was sold.

What will the research for your graduate studies in space biophysics look like?

All I know is that it’s not biophysics anymore, but honestly, I couldn’t tell. One of the hardest aspects of considering a PhD (for me) has been the thought of having to pick a focus. The Universe is full of amazing things to study.

Do you have a favorite space fun fact you enjoy dazzling people with?

I think the one that’s become a favorite of mine, mostly because it seems to get people so fascinated is that Jupiter does not have a true surface. It’s basically a giant ball of swirling liquid and gases.

Your upcoming STEM book for kids sounds awesome. What’s been your favorite part about the writing process?

Honestly? To dive back into my own childhood, the innocent parts of it where the Moon was my best friend during blackout nights in the motherland. That part of life when even though things weren’t the best, I could look at life with absolute purity.

Following that, what’s been the hardest part about writing your book?

Imposter Syndrome, my relentless pursuit of my dreams has gained me some notoriety that I honestly never expected or asked for, and although it can be great for outreach and building a platform to help others like me, it also comes with a lot of ostracizing. This can have a huge impact on someone’s sense of self, especially if the exclusion comes from spaces you’re working very hard to occupy. 

What is your personal philosophy as a science communicator?

We aren’t born knowing, so we shouldn’t look down on genuinely curious people just because we now possess knowledge they do not have or understand. When I first started using my old Twitter account three years ago, I barely had a presence and I was a wide-eyed girl with nothing but love of learning. I had to deal with a lot of disregarding because of it, and I thank the universe for every single person who took even a second of their time to explain something to me or answer a question at any given point without treating me like a pest.

Has the pandemic changed how you participate in SciComm?

When it comes to in-person engagements, yes, because I cancelled them all — and I’m glad I did.

You did not enjoy a lot of the privilege sooo many people take for granted, from growing up a child without access to education to being held back for not speaking English. What would you like people who do enjoy great deals of privilege to change in the way they see and interact with the world? Also, thank you for the emotional labor you’ve already put into talking about these issues online, and well, here again.

In a perfect world, I would love for people with privilege to just become more aware of it — and use that as a guide to be more conscious of how they approach underprivileged people.

I understand that struggle looks different to everyone, but a person with safety nets like a roof that will always be there, a paycheck, family that could help out, is not going to look at struggles the same way a person who has none of that would. I can’t even take a shower without thinking of how grateful I am of the running water, because I carried buckets for miles sometimes just so I could bathe. That’s why people find me “aggressive” at times, because I speak of the real world, and that isn’t pretty all the time.

Following that, what advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school because of external (financial, unstable home, abuse, etc.) issues?

That’s a tough one, because what I needed when I was in those situations was for someone — anyone — to just care even a little. I guess what I could say is please try to talk to someone, don’t keep it in. Don’t try to fight alone — and even if you find people who dismiss you, go to someone else. It’s not easy, but there are people out there who will listen.

Now, about that moon: Do you have any strong opinions about NASA’s potential Lunar Gateway?

As the Moon’s number one evangelist I’m excited about the science aspect. I’m also curious about the execution to be honest. Humans have the capacity to do amazing things — look at the ISS! So, we’ll see what happens.

If you could snap your fingers and have one mystery of the universe solved, which mystery would you choose to find out the answer to?

So many — but looking at one of Hubble’s eXtreme Deep Field images I have to say I’d love to know if there is life/intelligent life out there in the vastness of the Cosmos. We’ve talked about the possibility of finding life in our own solar system and that would be amazing, even if what we find are microscopic lifeforms which is what we expect. However, I can’t help but think that we cannot be the “it.” We’re awesome, and I’m not talking about movie aliens, but there’s just too much out there.

Who (modern day and/or historical) inspires you?

Historically, I don’t think I have any, and I know people who love science are usually inspired by famed scientists, but for me the most inspirational people are literally anyone who beats the odds in this world: People who rise above their struggles and show people like me that it can be done. I didn’t have that, but I’ll become that.

We normally ask, ‘What are some hobbies you enjoy in your free time?’ However, given the pandemic and social distancing, what activities are you doing at home to help maintain your mental health during this world health crisis?

I got back into drawing, which I enjoy, and of course my favorite indoor activities are to watch nature and space documentaries, read books, and tell people to look at the stars and the moon — even more now if they are able to and still maintain social/physical distancing.

You mentioned on Twitter that you lived through previous outbreaks in the Caribbean. That has to be hard to go through again. Aside from following the rules and staying home, is there any other advice you have for people?

The best advice and usually the most ignored is also the simplest… wash your hands and stay in. I mentioned this before and I know not many people know this, but I have years of training in infectious disease control and universal precautions, the one piece of advice that never changes is that we need to wash those hands properly.

Do you have any favorite STEM characters in books/movies/other art forms?

I don’t think I do. I didn’t even know they existed lol now I have to find out and find a favorite!

If you were a superhero, what would your go-to wearable tech device be?

Oh no, you said superhero to a giant nerd! Lol, okay, if I was a superhero that means I’d more likely have powers. So, I guess if I can’t have the superpowers of Captain Marvel or Dr. Manhattan, I’d love to have any suit and ship that would allow me to travel the Cosmos. 

To keep up with Rose DF's cosmically cool journey, check out her webpage. Be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Instagram, too!