Becca Spejcher
Hello! I am a 2nd year astrophysics Master's student at Tufts University in Medford, MA! In May 2024, I received my B.S in Astronomy at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. Currently, I am looking to start a Ph.D program in Fall 2026!
Life at Tufts
What have I been up to?
For the last year, I have been leading a team of undergrads under Dr. David V. Martin to measure the Rossiter-McLaughlin Effect in Eclipsing Binary Low Mass (EBLM) star systems. For the fall 2025 semester, I will be continuing this research while being funded by NASA's Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium.
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Outside of research and classes, I am TAing an introductory physics recitation section and two introductory physics lab sections. I also work as an academic coach for the Student Accessibility & Academic Resources (StAAR) Center. As an academic coach, I work with undergrad and grad students to develop academic skills, habits, and mindsets to help them succeed at Tufts. This year I am also a board member of Gender Diversity in Physics (GDiP), a club that creates a safe space for gender minorities and allies in physics to discuss inclusivity and physics, and hear from speakers or panelists on their experiences within the community. To see what GDiP is getting up to, please check out our Instagram @tufts_GDiP
Life at ERAU
What was I up to?
From September 2021 - November 2024, I worked with Dr. Noel Richardson studying the driving mechanisms of variability in Luminous Blue Variable Stars with TESS. In January 2025, this work was published in The Astrophysical Journal.
While at Riddle, I was heavily involved in my department as an SPS officer and the Lead Campus Academic Mentor for the College of Arts and Sciences. I also worked as an RA and Assistant Area Coordinator with the Department of Housing and Residence Life. My two greatest accomplishments from my time at Riddle was being apart of the IAU Name ExoWorlds competition and being the only team from the US to be picked, and getting the high score of the week for Eye of the Tiger on Just Dance.