Maya Kfir, SEAS ’27, Ganei Yehuda (Savyon), Israel
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a software engineer intern at StemRad, a start-up company that develops cutting-edge protective equipment to shield astronauts from ionizing radiation in space. As someone who has been fascinated by space technology since childhood, the chance to combine my passion for software with my lifelong interest in space was truly a dream come true.
My primary focus during the internship was developing Monte Carlo simulations using the Geant4 toolkit to predict gamma radiation exposure in space. This powerful software allowed us to model complex radiation interactions and assess their impact on astronauts and equipment. The main project I worked on involved evaluating radiation levels for NASA’s ambitious mission to Mars, a mission that could shape the future of human space exploration.
Specifically, I contributed to the development of the gamma-ray shielding layer for Lockheed Martin’s Inflatable Habitat. This innovative living space could be crucial for long-duration missions and knowing that my work might help protect future astronauts was incredibly motivating.
We implemented a mathematical model to describe the galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) environment in deep space. This model enabled us to generate an isotropic distribution of GCR ion particles under various solar conditions, closely mimicking the radiation environment faced on a Mars mission. I used this model to estimate particle intensity and simulate interactions with materials, particularly ICRF (human tissue) and Aluminum—the primary material used in spacecraft.
The journey wasn’t without challenges. When I started the internship, I had only basic knowledge of radiation physics and limited programming skills in Python and C++, which were essential for the project. This initial knowledge gap was daunting, but it also presented an opportunity for tremendous growth.
Fortunately, I had the privilege of working under the guidance of Jordan Houri, my boss, and the Lead Scientist of Space Exploration at StemRad. Jordan’s patience and expertise were invaluable as he guided me through the intricacies of the software and physics involved. His mentorship was crucial in helping me evolve from a novice to someone capable of working confidently with various sophisticated software tools.
As the summer progressed, I became more proficient in both the theoretical aspects of radiation physics and the practical applications of programming for scientific simulations. The steep learning curve I experienced not only enhanced my technical skills but also reinforced my ability to adapt and learn quickly in a professional setting.
As a woman in STEM, I was particularly motivated by StemRad’s commitment to advancing women in space. The company acknowledges that radiation is more harmful to female organs than male’s. I was proud to work with phantoms specifically designed to represent women’s bodies, directly advancing future female astronauts. This focus made my work feel personally relevant and highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in scientific research.
Reflecting on my time at StemRad, I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work. The experience has solidified my passion for space technology and opened my eyes to the critical role that software engineering plays in advancing space exploration. As I return to my studies, I carry with me new skills and knowledge, along with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future of space technology.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
