Micah M Marks

My story

In astronomy, my deepest passion is in the exploration of the unknown. Specifically, I am extremely interested in the nature of black holes.

I am currently working under postdoc Nika Jurlin on a project that seeks to examine how AGN (Active Galactic Nuclei) influence their host galaxies during different stages of their lives – specifically, when the jets that create radio emissions turn off and on. Over the summer I was tasked with reducing the spectra from the William Herschel Telescope (WHT) to investigate the remnant radio candidates detected in the Lockman Hole. And I am currently in the process of analyzing the data using Python coding! It is by far one of the coolest projects I have worked on, and I am so grateful for the opportunity given to me by my principal investigator Dr. Danielle Berg and my mentor Dr. Nika Jurlin.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, I lacked the resources to access mental health support or focus fully on my studies. This scholarship will enable me to prioritize my mental well-being, excel academically, and avoid excessive student loans.