EPISODE · May 8, 2026 · 49 MIN
From Star Trek to Mars: Dr. Tanya Harrison’s Journey in Space Science
from LET's Network: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Changemakers · host Emily Harrington and Talia Hreljac
In this inspiring interview, Dr. Tanya Harrison, planetary scientist, science strategist, and one of the world’s leading voices on Mars, shares her journey from childhood curiosity about space to shaping the future of space exploration.Dr. Harrison reflects on growing up inspired by science fiction, navigating academia, shifting from engineering to planetary science, and becoming a professional expert on Mars. She speaks candidly about living with serious health challenges during graduate school, working on NASA missions, and stepping into leadership roles across industry and global space strategy. The conversation also highlights her deep commitment to diversity, mentorship, and access in STEM, along with her work inspiring young explorers through storytelling and children’s books.This episode is ideal for space enthusiasts, educators, parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about science, leadership, and expanding opportunity in STEM.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow childhood curiosity and early role models shaped Dr. Harrison’s pathWhy she transitioned from engineering to planetary scienceWhat Mars gullies reveal about the planet’s climate historyHow she navigated a male dominated STEM environmentHow she persisted through chronic health challenges during her PhDWhat it was like working on NASA Mars missionsWhy international collaboration and commercialization are shaping the future of spaceHow her children’s book Me and the Martians helps inspire the next generationWhy mentorship and access create ripple effects across communitiesKey Topics DiscussedEarly fascination with space and science fictionAcademic training and discovering planetary scienceMars research, gullies, and climate historyHealth challenges and resilience during graduate studiesLeadership and strategy in the space sectorThe rise of commercial and international space effortsDiversity, equity, mentorship, and access in STEMWriting for children and inspiring curiosityThe evolving future of space explorationConnect with Dr. Harrison:https://www.tanyaharrison.com/https://www.instagram.com/tanyaofmars
What this episode covers
In this inspiring interview, Dr. Tanya Harrison, planetary scientist, science strategist, and one of the world’s leading voices on Mars, shares her journey from childhood curiosity about space to shaping the future of space exploration.Dr. Harrison reflects on growing up inspired by science fiction, navigating academia, shifting from engineering to planetary science, and becoming a professional expert on Mars. She speaks candidly about living with serious health challenges during graduate school, working on NASA missions, and stepping into leadership roles across industry and global space strategy. The conversation also highlights her deep commitment to diversity, mentorship, and access in STEM, along with her work inspiring young explorers through storytelling and children’s books.This episode is ideal for space enthusiasts, educators, parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about science, leadership, and expanding opportunity in STEM.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow childhood curiosity and early role models shaped Dr. Harrison’s pathWhy she transitioned from engineering to planetary scienceWhat Mars gullies reveal about the planet’s climate historyHow she navigated a male dominated STEM environmentHow she persisted through chronic health challenges during her PhDWhat it was like working on NASA Mars missionsWhy international collaboration and commercialization are shaping the future of spaceHow her children’s book Me and the Martians helps inspire the next generationWhy mentorship and access create ripple effects across communitiesKey Topics DiscussedEarly fascination with space and science fictionAcademic training and discovering planetary scienceMars research, gullies, and climate historyHealth challenges and resilience during graduate studiesLeadership and strategy in the space sectorThe rise of commercial and international space effortsDiversity, equity, mentorship, and access in STEMWriting for children and inspiring curiosityThe evolving future of space explorationConnect with Dr. Harrison:https://www.tanyaharrison.com/https://www.instagram.com/tanyaofmars
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From Star Trek to Mars: Dr. Tanya Harrison’s Journey in Space Science
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