Rishika Porandla
scientific researcher & published author
CURRENT PROJECTS
NASA INTERNSHIPS
- NASA Headquarters Planetary Science Division Leadership Intern (current, 2024)
- NASA ASTRO CAMP® North Texas Director (current, 2022-2024)
- NASA Peer Engagement Intern (prior, 2023-2024)
- NASA Headquarters Astrophysics Division Research Management Intern (prior, 2023-2024)
- NASA Moonshot Internship Integration Manager (prior, 2023)
- NASA Langley Space Center Climate Observation Intern (prior, 2022-2023)
- NASA Johnson Space Center Computational Analysis Intern (prior, 2022)
- NASA SEES Intern @ UT Austin’s Center for Space Research (prior, 2022)
RESEARCH GROUPS
- Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics: Pulsar Group (current, 2024)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Herring Group (current, 2024)
- Harvard University: Heller Group (prior, 2023-2024)
- University of Texas: Center of Space Research (prior, 2022-2023)
- University of Texas: CERN BL4S Team Lead (prior, 2023)
SPACETIME ARCHIVES
- Founding Executive Director
- Impacted 50,000+ students nationwide through educational seminars, research mentorship, tutoring and other resources.
- Coordinated administrative team of 70+ and secured partnership with Texas Astronomical Society to implement Spacetime Archives Student Research Fellowship w/ 500+ research students and 100+ mentors.
- Collaborating with 15+ organizations, including NASA ACCP, International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, National Equity Project, Intercultural Development Research Association, Hack+, Ready Aiders Foundation, and Asian American Voices for Education.
TEXAS ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
- Director-at-Large & Teen President (current, 2024)
- Vice President (prior, 2022-2023)
- Representing 6,000 members statewide in TAS collaborations & 100+ members in astronomy research projects.
- Expanded youth membership by 40%, targeting underrepresented census populations.
- Conduct monthly community astronomy events as a youth representative of the state organization.
- Responsible for finding speakers for monthly meetings and organizing outreach events with public schools and astronomy clubs.
READY AIDERS FOUNDATION
- Principal Curriculum Coordinator (current, 2024)
- Developed and facilitated over 15 virtual workshops focused on scientific research and professional development for young girls.
- Introduced participants to various technology and STEM careers, providing hands-on learning experiences and mentorship.
- Enabled more than 100 girls to achieve STEM certifications, fostering their interest and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.