Embry-Riddle Student Researcher Earns NASA FINESST Grant to Study the Stars

Erin Abraham has earned a NASA FINESST grant for her research investigating massive binary stars and their companion stars. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Erin Abraham)

Engineering Physics graduate student Erin Abraham has recently been awarded a prestigious NASA Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) grant to explore massive binary stars, the study of which can yield valuable insights into the evolution of the cosmos.

The grant provides Abraham with $50,000 annually for three years to cover her tuition. Additionally, it funds her travel to present at scientific conferences and supports the publication of her research in peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as provides her with a stipend

"The FINESST graduate fellowship program is highly competitive, and it’s great to see that the NASA reviewers recognized Erin’s outstanding potential," said Dr. Terry Oswalt, associate dean for research in the College of Arts and Sciences, adding that the acceptance rate for applicants is only about 10 percent and project proposals need to align with NASA's scientific goals. "We already knew she had the right stuff!”

When Abraham was notified of her award, she said she was “in a state of shock." She knew the grant was competitive, so she kept her expectations in check. She said she was "elated when my proposal was selected.”

Currently completing her qualifying exam to transition from being a Ph.D. student to a Ph.D. candidate, Abraham has faced challenges on her academic journey. During her senior year at Florida Institute of Technology, she applied to several graduate schools and was rejected or waitlisted by all of them.

“I was incredibly dejected to not hear the response I was hoping for,” Abraham said. “But I didn’t let it hold me back. I applied for some jobs doing outreach in astronomy since that is one of my biggest passions, and I submitted a second round of applications.”

This time, she received graduate school acceptances and extended job offers.

Having done research as an undergraduate with Dr. Saida Caballero-Nieves, Abraham decided to follow her to graduate school at Embry-Riddle in August 2022. Caballero-Nieves is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Sciences.

“Even though at that point I had been accepted into other schools, I knew it was best for me to work with someone whose research I was passionate about and who I knew would have my back and want the best for me,” Abraham said. “When Professor Caballero-Nieves started teaching at Embry-Riddle, I decided to apply here so I could continue working with her.”

For her Ph.D. project, Abraham will be using exoplanet research tools to look for companion stars revolving around massive stars that are more than eight times the mass of the Sun.

Abraham's specific focus is "an area of research the astronomy community hasn’t been able to study yet,” she said.

Apart from her research, Abraham teaches and continues to do outreach.

“Many of our undergrads go to her for help with their classes,” Caballero-Nieves said.

Abraham said she has always wanted to share her love of astronomy and science.

“Subjects like science, math and astronomy can feel out of reach for a lot of people. I want to share these subjects in a way that’s accessible to everyone,” she said. “Without the amazing friends and mentors I’ve gained throughout the years, I wouldn’t have been able to come this far. I want to give back and be that mentor for someone else to help them along their journey.”

“Erin is exactly the kind of student we love to have here at ERAU," said Oswalt. "One who is focused on their career path, determined to succeed, and excited to share what they learn with others."

Posted In: Space