Dr. Kayla Iacovino is a volcano scientist with Jacobs at NASA Johnson Space Center. Having been a Star Trek fan practically from birth, the legacy of Nichelle Nichols and countless other women involved in Trek both in front of and behind the camera have shaped her life and career.

As Star Trek teaches us, humanity must explore. This drive for discovery and betterment has taken Dr. Iacovino to volcanoes around the world in such exotic places as Antarctica, DR Congo, North Korea, Chile, Costa Rica, and more. There she takes samples and measurements to understand how volcanoes work, why they erupt, and how volcanic processes shape the Earth and other planets. In her lab at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, she simulates the conditions inside of magma chambers to map out and understand how molten rock at high pressures and temperatures drives volcanic eruptions and shapes planets. Since 2019, Dr. Iacovino has worked with NASA to study not only our planet but volcanoes and magmas in outer space. Her work looks at how planets form and evolve over time to answer such questions as: how might we look for life on other worlds? Why is the Earth so different from the other planets in our solar system? How do planets become planets?

Dr. Iacovino is passionate about passing on her love of science and exploration to future generations and in supporting those with fewer opportunities. As Nichelle showed us with her unparalleled outreach and advisory efforts, one person can make a big difference in many lives.