CNHS Spotlight: Alumni Excellence

During a visit to San Diego, California, CNHS Dean Simon Kattenhorn interacted with recent graduates of the Physics & Astronomy department who have both gone on to do great things. Callie Crowder (BS, 2017) and Allison Padilla (BS, 2022) both work for Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego as part of Mars rover mission team members.

Callie works as a Mission Operations Specialist with the uplink and downlink teams for the Mastcam-Z cameras on the Perseverance rover, specializing in multispectral and stereo observations for scientists researching the geological context, chemical composition, or atmospheric changes on Mars. A typical day for Callie involves analyzing a previous sol's data and creating sequences to send back to Mars. Some of her favorite sequences involve taking large mosaics of the beautiful Martian scenery or capturing engineering videos of Perseverance's sibling and the only helicopter on Mars, Ingenuity. "My role on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission is a credit to the opportunities I had while attending UH Hilo," said Callie. "Smaller class sizes helped to grow lasting networks with the professors and peers in similar degree programs. The proximity to some of the best astronomical observatories in the world allowed me to make connections within the field of astronomy before I even graduated. My Senior project was to work on the integration and commissioning of the new UH Hilo 0.7m telescope with Dr. Pierre Martin. Not only did this experience help me understand concepts we learned in class but it also fueled my interest in space technology which has continued to grow since I graduated."

Allison works at Malin as a Missions Operations Specialist. She operates two cameras on the Curiosity Rover (link shows a selfie image that Allison sequenced). Here are two additional images she sequenced with the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) and the Mars Descent Imager (MARDI). Her role within the MAHLI team is to determine what targets to image close up and in high resolution and how to image these targets. MARDI's primary purpose was to document Curiosity's descent and landing into Gale Crater on Mars, but is now used to take end of drive imaging of the surface below the rover. "The caring community of professors and students at UH Hilo gave me the foundation needed to work my way into space exploration and land my role at Malin Space Science Systems," Allison explained. "The small class sizes not only made learning more accessible but also allowed me to form meaningful connections with professors and peers and the opportunity to actively engage in a variety of enriching experiences. Serving as a tutor, astronomy lab assistant, and an officer of the University Astrophysics Club gave me the space to collaborate among a community of fellow student enthusiasts. My active involvement in extracurricular activities were made possible by professors who guided and mentored me throughout my academic journey."

Congratulations to both Callie and Allison on their amazing career journeys so far and for exemplifying UH Hilo alumni excellence!