Prize Recipient

Tamela Maciel

Background:

I was born in California, but grew up in the small town of Grants Pass in southern Oregon. I've always been interested in how things work, particularly when those things were stars, planets, and galaxies. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an astronaut/astronomer, and as I grew older, physics seemed like the way to go. Throughout school, I developed my passion for math and science, taking extra classes at my local community college and joining the math team in my efforts to immerse myself in the world of physics and astronomy.

Aside from my love of astrophysics, I am deeply interested in classical literature and spend my free hours reading as much as I can! I have also played violin for eight years, and hope to continue this extraordinary practice through college and throughout life.