TEAM-UP Together Fuels Mariah’s Physics and Astronomy Journey

From an early age, Mariah Jones felt an undeniable pull toward astronomy. Her fascination deepened in high school, where physics became the first science to truly challenge her. Its complexities sparked a love for the subject that continues to fuel her curiosity about the universe. This passion led her to Vassar College, where she pursued a degree in Astronomy and Physics.

Mariah’s academic journey has been strengthened by the TEAM-UP Together scholarship , which supports students in physics and astronomy. Beyond financial assistance, the program provides mentorship, professional development, and funding for conference travel while helping academic departments create welcoming environments for all students.

Inspired by this support, Mariah plans to spend several months abroad—ideally in France—to gain research experience, practice her French, and immerse herself in the country’s culture. These experiences will prepare her for graduate school, where she aims to pursue a Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics.

Currently, Mariah is working on a publication based on her summer research at the SETI Institute. Her work investigates the stability of trojan and horseshoe co-orbitals in extrasolar multi-planet systems, which she plans to submit to the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS).

For Mariah, TEAM-UP Together is more than financial support—it’s a vote of confidence, inspiring her to help build a future where the variety of the universe is reflected in the faces of physics and astronomy.