Natalie Batalha

Natalie M. Batalha, born on May 14, 1966, is a distinguished professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. With a profound passion for the cosmos, she has dedicated her career to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.

Before her tenure at UC Santa Cruz, Batalha made significant contributions as a research astronomer in the Space Sciences Division of NASA Ames Research Center. Her leadership roles on the Kepler Mission, which ran from two thousand ten to two thousand eighteen, included serving as Science Team Lead, Mission Scientist, and Project Scientist. This groundbreaking mission was pivotal in the search for Earth-size planets orbiting other stars.

Prior to her impactful work at NASA, Batalha was a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at San Jose State University from two thousand two to two thousand twelve. Her academic journey reflects her commitment to education and her desire to inspire the next generation of scientists.