Raquel Nuno

Raquel Nuno immigrated to the United States from Portugal at age eleven. She served in the United States Air Force as a medical laboratory technologist after high school. During her military service, she pursued higher education, taking classes at six different colleges and universities before enrolling as an undergraduate student at UCLA. Nuno is the first in her family to earn a college degree. She has since become a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences at UCLA, where her research focuses on understanding planetary surface processes.

Her work includes analyzing spacecraft data, astronomical observations, and modeling. Nuno has been involved in significant research projects, such as analyzing data from NASA’s two Viking spacecraft, which orbited Mars from 1976-1980. She investigated areas on Mars with excess water vapor that might contribute to the formation of Recurring Slope Lineae, which are dark streaks appearing on Martian crater rims and canyon walls during warmer seasons. These formations may suggest the presence of flowing liquid water beneath Mars’ surface. Nuno presented these findings at the American Astronomical Society’s Division of Planetary Science meeting in Reno, NV in October 2012. She is also a member of NASA’s Diviner Science Team.

Nuno’s research interests include planetary exploration, the origins of the Solar System, planetary geology, and remote sensing instrumentation. She actively engages in science communication, aiming to inspire future generations of scientists. Nuno’s career trajectory underscores her dedication to scientific inquiry and education, having transitioned from military service to a notable academic and research career in planetary science. She has also co-hosted the Planetary Society Perseverance Landing Watch Party alongside figures like Bill Nye, Bethany Ehlmann, and Derek Muller.