Introducing “Astronomy Across the Pond”

By Jessica Khaimova

This article is part of a new series “Astronomy Across the Pond,” in which writer Jessica Khaimova shares her experience as a scientista studying abroad.

While growing up in Brooklyn, two of my main goals were to study astronomy and live in the UK. Well, just last year, I found out that I was selected for a Fulbright postgraduate award to pursue my master’s in astronomy in England. It was a bit of a shock as I had a slim chance of getting it, but I had somehow achieved my dreams.

Jessica Khaimova visits Parliament at the Palace of Westminster in London as part of her Fullbright orientation.

Now, let us fast forward a year. This is currently my second semester here at the University of Sussex and I am already halfway done with my degree (master’s degrees typically take one year to complete in the UK). I am taking challenging but interesting classes (modules) such as cosmology and extragalactic astronomy, studying galaxy clusters for my dissertation, meeting fascinating people from all over the world, attending insightful seminars/colloquiums about physics and other topics, and participating in outreach projects. In my free time, I have travelled to different parts of England, such as London, Bristol, and Bath, become an active member in the Harry Potter and Doctor Who societies, learned about the British pub culture, explored quirky Brighton (my new home), got my first-ever adult bicycle, and added board games to my list of hobbies. I could go on and on!

While this has undoubtedly been the most academically challenging year of my life, it has also been a great and exciting learning experience - perhaps the most meaningful year thus far. In this series of articles, I am planning to talk about my experiences in the UK as a Fulbright grantee, discuss the science behind my project, and also interview British scientists so that we can learn about Scientistas from the other side of the pond. I am looking forward to starting up this new series, and if you have any suggestions on topics you’d like to hear about, please let me know!
 
Also, if you would like to follow me throughout this adventure, you can find me on instagram as @jessinthetardis.

---

About the Author
Jessica Khaimova, a native New Yorker, graduated from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College in 2016 with bachelor's degrees in environmental and atmospheric science and fiction writing. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in astronomy as a Fulbright grantee at the University of Sussex in the UK. She is an avid fan of writing, astronomy, Harry Potter (and is a proud Ravenclaw), science fiction shows (such as Doctor Who), tea, and tech. You can find her on Instagram as @jessinthetardis.

---

---

Comments? Leave them below!