At GirlSpring, we believe in shining a light on young women who are pushing boundaries, asking bold questions, and dreaming beyond the stars. One of those remarkable dreamers is Nina, an undergraduate engineering student, scuba diver, citizen science researcher, and aspiring astronaut. We caught up with her to talk about her journey, her challenges, and her bold dreams of walking on Mars.
GirlSpring: What first inspired your dream of going to Mars?
Nina: At the age of seven, I received a children’s encyclopedia about space. I remember reading the chapter about the Moon landing and upcoming plans to send humans to Mars. That was it, I was hooked. I dreamt of being one of those explorers, setting foot on the red planet. People told me it was just a phase and that I’d grow out of it, but I never did. I’m still walking step by step toward that dream, hoping that one day, those steps will turn into giant leaps on Martian soil.
GirlSpring: What challenges have you faced, and how have you worked through them?
Nina: One of the recurring challenges I’ve experienced is the subtle but persistent perception that girls are less technically inclined. Sometimes, my ideas would be overlooked—not out of malice, but due to unconscious bias. The way I’ve handled this isn’t by becoming louder or confrontational, but by staying consistent. I work hard, stay reliable, and let my work speak for itself. Over time, people begin to notice and respect your contribution. My message to other girls: never let others define you. Your passion and persistence are your best proof.
GirlSpring: Why do you believe young girls in STEM matter for the future?
Nina: When more girls enter STEM fields, it means that every child, regardless of gender, gets the opportunity to dream big. Representation matters. A girl who loves science might never consider it as a career if she doesn’t see women thriving in those spaces. We can’t afford to leave half the population behind when it comes to solving global challenges and building our future. As technology advances, we need more passionate people in the room, diverse minds who bring
new perspectives and fresh ideas.
GirlSpring: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Nina: Hopefully walking on Mars! But even if that hasn’t happened yet, I see myself contributing to space exploration and sustainability in some way. I’m studying environmental engineering and would love to do my master’s and PhD on renewable energy systems for extreme environments, like oceans, mountains, deserts, and even moons like Europa. I hope to design systems that could help power future space stations or research bases. And maybe I’ll have a few patents under my belt too!
GirlSpring: What advice would you give to younger girls with big dreams?
Nina: Start by clearly defining your goal—whatever it is. Ask around, research, and break that goal into smaller, achievable steps. Focus on building the skills and knowledge you’ll need, and don’t be afraid to get involved in extracurriculars, internships, or clubs. And most importantly, don’t stop trying. Taking a break when needed is okay, it’s part of the journey. But giving up? That’s not an option. When someone says, “You can’t do it,” your answer should be: “Watch me.”
Why Nina Resonates with GirlSpring
When Nina first reached out to us, she asked if we feature girls in STEM. The answer is a resounding yes, and Nina is exactly the kind of voice we want to amplify. She’s not only dreaming about changing the world, she’s already starting to. From scuba diving to simulate spacewalks, to researching sustainable energy solutions for outer space, Nina is showing that science, courage, and heart go hand in hand.
To every girl reading this: Your dreams are valid. Your voice matters. And the stars are not the limit, just the beginning!
Check out more women breaking boundaries here!
