Meet the new Interplanetary Lab Lifeguards: Spring 2025

ASU Interplanetary Laboratory is a resource for all ASU students, clubs, faculty and space industry collaborators, providing a hub to build and test space-flight hardware and software. Students can explore research interests, develop technical skills, and join a community passionate about the future of space.

A team of ASU student staff members—called “lifeguards”—helps keep the lab running safely and smoothly while contributing to real-world space projects. Read on to meet three of the newest lab lifeguards and learn how they’re getting involved in the next wave of space exploration.

Incoming and current ASU students are invited to subscribe to the Interplanetary Initiative newsletter to stay informed about exciting news happening at ASU. Students should also join the ASU Space student mailing list for updates and opportunities in space research, lab projects, and events.

Ella Greetis, junior studying robotics engineering. 

Why are you excited about working with the Interplanetary Lab?

I'm excited to work with the Interplanetary Lab because I've been on the Interplanetary Initiative mailing list for some time, and I've really liked what I've seen there. I'm excited to see more of the projects being worked on here, and I'm excited to learn how to use all the cool equipment!  

What are you hoping to contribute and learn during your time with the Interplanetary Lab?

I hope to learn more about designing for more delicate or precise situations. Most of my design experience so far has been in combat robotics, where the main concern is whether a design will break when it's hit really hard by a big piece of metal several times in the, relatively short, time of three minutes. Space applications come with a very different use case, and I'm excited to learn what choices need to be made to ensure a design does well in conditions like vacuums and intense temperatures.

What sparked your interest and passion for space?

When I was a creative writing major I mostly wrote science fiction. Space presents lots of fascinating challenges for storytelling and worldbuilding, and it's so fun to imagine what sorts of things humanity could get up to there because the possibilities are pretty much infinite. I've really enjoyed all of Andy Weir's novels, especially The Martian, and I've been slowly making my way through Peter Watts' Blindsight in the past year. Both are awesome books that are enhanced, not constrained, by the limits of the space travels they're told within.

What are your future career goals? What kind of impact do you want to have in the space industry?

I'm not sure exactly where I want my career to end up—my current aim is to leave school as well-rounded as possible—but I would certainly love a career in the space industry. I think it would be awesome to design robots to work alongside humans in space.

When you're not working in the Interplanetary Lab or doing coursework, how do you like to spend your time?

I like building and competing with combat robots! Combat robotics is a great sport that prompted me to learn computer-aided design and got me into machining my own parts. It has also allowed me to travel all over the country to compete in tournaments, where I can watch my creations fight to destroy or be destroyed!

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Paulo Gonzalez Soto, freshman studying aerospace engineering.

Why are you excited about working with the Interplanetary Lab?

When I arrived at ASU last semester, I immediately became a fan of the Interplanetary Initiative because they have stickers, fun emails, and cool videos on space. Being able to join through the Interplanetary Lab is incredible because it is one of the most exciting and innovative communities at ASU. I’m thrilled to contribute, even in small ways, to advancing ASU’s space exploration research. Everyone in the lab is welcoming and intelligent, so as a freshman, I’m excited to gain experience throughout my undergraduate career. 

What are you hoping to contribute and learn during your time with the Interplanetary Lab?

I’m excited to contribute to the Lab's present and future satellite missions. With the lab’s focus on prototyping and innovative problem-solving, I’m eager to expand my skills in electronics, software, and radio communications. There are so many core projects happening here, and I look forward to learning something new each time I’m working. I hope to bring my creativity and passion to the table and apply them to the complex challenges we’re tackling.

What sparked your interest and passion for space?

When I was in elementary school I loved to watch space documentaries and I would read all sorts of science fiction. Arthur C. Clarke, my favorite author, introduced me to a future where space exploration was central to human progress; we have a long way to go, but humanity will be interplanetary. Pursuing aerospace engineering allows me to connect my childhood fascination with a meaningful career. I plan to use that passion through my studies and with my employment at the Interplanetary Lab.

What are your future career goals? What kind of impact do you want to have in the space industry?

I want to work in the space industry on large, ambitious missions that focus on exploring more of the universe. There is definitely life on Enceladus and Europa! One of the biggest challenges in going even further is the limitations of our current propulsion systems, and I want to contribute to developing better spacecraft. Making these missions possible requires an interdisciplinary team. I aim to positively impact those around me, learning as much as I can along the way. Success is about loving what I do, and even now, working at the lab feels fulfilling. I want to take that feeling and carry it into every place I work.

When you're not working in the Interplanetary Lab or doing coursework, how do you like to spend your time?

I enjoy mountain biking and playing intramural soccer. Being outdoors really helps me recharge. I also like to take time to read books and poetry (my favorite poet is Billy Collins) because non-technical stuff keeps things balanced. I recommend all these activities!

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Josh Sink, junior studying aerospace engineering.

Why are you excited about working with the Interplanetary Lab?

I am excited to work with like minded space individuals like myself and to explore more opportunities to share my passion for engineering through the lab.  

What are you hoping to contribute and learn during your time with the Interplanetary Lab?

I hope I can contribute by offering my previous experience to aid all those who may need it and I hope to learn how to use new tools and explore new aspects of space projects.

What sparked your interest and passion for space?

My space interest was born from my observations of the Discovery and Hubble space telescopes. These feats of engineering inspired me to really look at the sky and pursue space exploration.

What are your future career goals? What kind of impact do you want to have in the space industry?

I hope to lead a monumental project in the future, with the latest technology for a deep space mission that travels beyond our own galaxy.

When you're not working in the Interplanetary Lab or doing coursework, how do you like to spend your time?

I like to go to the gym and watch movies.