Yesenia Arroyo

Goddard Instrument Field Team (GIFT) - AVOCADO

Planetary Geology

A Model for Vesicle Development Using Field and Hand Sample Contexts (Co-I):

Vesicles, gaps left behind in igenous rocks and other materials when volatiles outgas, can indicate the abundance of volatiles from the regions where they originate in the mantle. However, the way these magmas erupt can affect how the vesicles develop and that can complicate how you interpret the amount, shapes, etc. So, to fully understand magma gas content, and possibly the abundance of volatiles from their mantle source, vesicle development must be characterized. Thus, we will investigate impacts that varying processes have on lava flow vesicle development and how well this is reflected in hand-samples relative to the field scale in samples from various locations around the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Field work is scheduled for September 2026. I will be acting as the field lead for this project.

By establishing a model for flow vesicularity in the SFVF, an astronaut training ground, this work will enhance Goddard efforts to support astronaut training relevant to non-polar sample return. Additionally, by better defining challenges involved in interpreting lava emplacement from textural analysis, this work will also enhance the assessment of samples collected without adequate field context (i.e., via robotic missions). As a result, we will generate a framework for establishing emplacement context using hand sample analysis only.

Citizen Science and Comms Lead - Artemis III Science Team

SURA/NASA GSFC - Greenbelt, MD

June 2026 - Present

Yesenia will engage with multiple groups across science disciplines to understand, create, and coordinate citizen science efforts for Artemis III. They will also interface with the broader Artemis communications teams to deliver captivating content for the mission.

Artemis III will carry out a series of objectives in low Earth orbit designed to demonstrate critical systems needed for future lunar landings, beginning with Artemis IV. During the mission, the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket will launch four crew members aboard the Orion spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Public Engagement Lead and Communications Specialist - Habitable Worlds Observatory

SURA/NASA GSFC - Greenbelt, MD

August 2024 - June 2026

As the Public Engagement Lead, Yesenia coordinates, plans, and manages HWO booth presence and public events, including scheduling staff, designing table layouts, and creating communication resources for staff at over eight internal and external events. Yesenia has also designed and produced outreach materials including flyers and educational resources to support HWO functions, like conferences, international partner events, and congressional engagements.

As a comms specialist, Yesenia manages the development and maintenance of the NASA's official HWO website, incorporating feedback from stakeholders. Yesenia also curates and publishes content for the official NASA astrophysics website, NASA Universe (nasa.gov/universe).

Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant - Habitable Worlds Observatory

SURA/NASA GSFC - Greenbelt, MD

October 2023 - August 2024

Content lead for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) communications. Yesenia is primarily responsible for upkeep of the NASA HWO website on nasa.gov/HWO and curating the NASA Universe home page (nasa.gov/universe.)

Assistant Scientist and Project Manager - GeoSPACE

University of Florida/National Science Foundation - Gainesville, FL

August 2022 - July 2024

GeoSPACE is a two-week planetary geology and volcanology field course that focuses on providing hybrid fieldwork opportunities for students with disabilities and nontraditional students. Yesenia managed the logistics for the field course, including selecting participants, organizing required forms and permits from participants and for national park visits, procuring lodging and transportation, and driving a passenger van to various locations based around Flagstaff, AZ including the San Francisco Volcanic Field.

Fabrication Lab Instructor

The Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation, & Creativity - Orlando, FL

September 2019 - August 2022

Yesenia organized, created, and taught various SOP's for fabrication lab equipment, including CAM equipment like laser cutters, 3D printers, and a CNC mill, to patrons and other staff members.