Mentorship inspires astrophysics research

As a student, Liliana Flores (Physics ‘25) discovered her love of astrophysics.

After taking an introductory astronomy class in 2023 with Dr. Paola Rodríguez Hidalgo, associate professor in the Department of Physical Sciences, Flores became “hooked” on the subject.

“There’s so much to explore and so many unanswered questions and ways to expand on what we know, and that really excited me,” she said.

As part of the introductory course, Flores participated in Astronomy Day, where she taught about the star life cycle to local community members at Bothell Library.

Rodríguez Hidalgo noticed how well Flores engaged with those she taught. She brought her own “enthusiasm” and “brilliance” to it, Rodríguez Hidalgo said.

This marked the start of a mentorship experience between Rodríguez Hidalgo and Flores.

Flores followed her curiosity into Rodríguez Hidalgo’s research group — and soon found herself at a James Webb Space Telescope workshop, immersed in the mysteries of transient phenomena. Now, powered by mentorship, the pair is aiming even higher, with a JWST research proposal now under review as they look forward to what comes next.

Learn more about Flores’ academic journey under Rodríguez Hidalgo’s mentorship in the full UW Bothell story, “Exploring the boundless expanse of the universe — and the self.”