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    159994
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    The Authors

    Rachel Mastrapa on an ancient basaltic lava flow.

    Rachel Mastrapa, PhD

    Rachel has been teaching astronomy at De Anza College since 2019. Before that, she was a research scientist working at NASA Ames and SETI Institute, where she performed experiments simulating ice formation in the outer Solar System. She serves as the astronomy discipline lead for ASCCC OERI.

    A picture of Caitlin at Kitt Peak Observatory with several telescopes visible in the background

    Caitlin Kepple

    Caitlin (they/she pronouns) is an instructor and Department Chair of Astronomy at De Anza College. While in this role, Caitlin has been passionate about mentorship and building community across campus through star parties, events in the Planetarium, and beyond. In their free time, Caitlin enjoys singing in a local LGBTQ+ choir, volunteering, camping under dark skies, and has recently been learning astrophotography.

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