UCLA Professor Amy Mainzer is a leading expert in planetary science and will testify before Congress on Thursday on NASA’s planetary defense strategy. Mainzer, who received her doctorate of astronomy from UCLA, has been working on a telescope to detect asteroids before they hit Earth’s surface.
The telescope, which is the successor to the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, aims to map the sky and identify objects near Earth. Mainzer is overseeing construction at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Utah State University, and BAE Systems in Colorado. She is also building a team of researchers who will work with her to analyze data from the telescope.
Mainzer’s mission is crucial for public understanding of NASA’s work and its impact on human life. Her expertise has been recognized by the American Astronomical Society, which awarded her a fellowship in 2025 for her contributions to the NEOWISE project and public outreach.
Despite facing challenges, Mainzer remains determined and persuasive. She has successfully convinced others to support her research, including her advisor David Jewitt, who described her as “a pile driver” due to her persistence and determination.
Mainzer also believes in making science education more accessible to the general public. She has worked on several Hollywood productions, including PBS’ “Ready Jet Go!” and Netflix’s “Don’t Look Up,” where she designed the characteristics of a comet featured in the film.
In an effort to advance science education, Mainzer is teaching an EPSS undergraduate course this year. Her expertise and willingness to collaborate have made her a valuable asset to the department.
Mainzer emphasizes that science is not something people can take for granted but rather something that needs to be fought for. She hopes that by advancing science education and public outreach, she can inspire others to join the fight for scientific progress.
Source: https://dailybruin.com/2025/05/13/from-starlight-to-spotlight-ucla-professor-amy-mainzer-defends-planetary-science