Nicole “Nic” Lee is a graduate student at MIT pursuing dual S.M.-Ph.D. degrees through the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society’s Technology and Policy Program. She conducts research in the Human Systems Lab, where she develops wearable systems to mitigate musculoskeletal and cardiovascular deconditioning during long-duration spaceflight and extreme environments. Nic’s interests include novel spacesuit design, integrated astronaut systems, commercial space policy, and education and outreach. Prior to MIT, she earned dual B.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business, Economics, and Management from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She currently serves as President of the Graduate Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT and President of the MIT Space Industry Club. This summer, Nic will intern at The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy, where she will study policy and contracting mechanisms for reducing the risk of gaps in U.S. low Earth orbit capabilities during the transition from the International Space Station to commercial LEO destinations.

Outside of work, Nic loves dancing in all styles, scuba diving, tutoring and mentoring young girls in the community, oil and watercolor painting, and visiting her home in Tucson, Arizona, where she enjoys desert sunsets, hikes among the saguaros, and spending time with family.