Women in Research

Texas Tech University astrophysicist Alessandra Corsi tells female students who are interested in an academic career to be persistent and enjoy the journey, welcoming surprises that may be even greater than the dream. (Background illustration of two black holes converging, courtesy NASA)

Astrophysicist Alessandra Corsi

During March, Texas Tech celebrates women faculty who exemplify excellence in research, scholarship, creative activity, teaching, and mentoring.

3.17.2020

Alessandra Corsi is an assistant professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Her research focuses on time-domain astronomy (with special emphasis on relativistic transients) and gravitational wave physics.

In the question-and-answer session that follows, Corsi shares the basics of her success.

What inspired you to work in your field/area of expertise?

Curiosity about how the cosmos works and the fact that I wanted a job where you never stop learning.

Who inspired you to pursue academia?

My parents and my high school math and physics teacher (a female teacher).

What would you tell your female students interested in pursuing an academic career?

Be persistent and enjoy the journey toward your goals. Know that not everything will go the way you wanted it to go, but the surprises that journey reserves for you can be even better than what you had wished for.