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A Rose by any other name is an aerospace engineer!

In February 2025, Rose D.F. shared that NASA had removed her bio from its website. This happened less than weeks after the inauguration of the 47th president.

Introducing the inspiration for this website…Rose, an astronomer and aerospace engineer. 

Space has always been my joy and source of comfort, it’s been the driving force behind so much in my life, including learning the language.
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My academic background is in Astronomy and Aerospace Engineering, though I've worked in Science Communication and leadership roles. I don't really like to limit myself based on degrees or titles, I'm always growing and learning.


What drew you to science and space? 

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“I enjoy imaging and actively photograph the Cosmos, but I tend to run around with my cameras pointed at life down here on Earth too. Photography in general has always been a love of mine, but most people just know me for my love of the Moon in particular.


I've already accomplished things I never imagined possible, but a big goal of mine is to become an astronaut (Absolutely insane, I know). ​It's what I love, so I figured the worst thing that could happen is that I don't make it to space. If I don't, at least I get to have fun training while being an Analog Astronaut.”


What else are you passionate about? 


I was born and raised in the Caribbean, extremely poor and with huge dreams. 


Now as an adult, I participate in activism for survivors of domestic/sexual abuse, and homelessness. All things I had to go through, and have been fortunate enough to overcome.​

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Although at times I've used social media as a tool to raise awareness on these topics, organize, and distribute funds, these days I prefer to do things in a more private manner.

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This approach has proven most effective for the mental and physical health/safety of those I work with, my loved ones, and most importantly my own.


Ultimately though, my real goal is to live the life I want, a life not dictated by limitations or societal definitions.


Maybe, give some hope to people who came from nothing just like I did, and leave the world a tiny bit better than it was for me. 


Follow Rose’s journey at https://www.rosedf.space/.


(Photo and story are used with permission by Rose D.F.)




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