Pussy Power Post #9-Arianna Brown
Blue haired, buzz cut, buxom, beauty...those are the four B’s I would have used to describe Arianna Brown when I first met her. Actually, that’s not true. That’s how I would have described her when I first SAW her. But after I met her and eventually got to know her, I believe the best way to describe how I feel about her is impressed.
I’m impressed by her level of maturity. I'm impressed by how she carries herself (she’s classier in her mid-20s then I will EVER be in my entire life). And I’m impressed by how self-aware she is. She realized early what made her happy and what didn’t. Then she made strides to create a happy space for herself and follow her dreams.
Meet mad scientist (who also happens to also be a buxom beauty) Arianna Brown.
I’ll start with a very LA-esque question. What exactly is it that you do?
I'm an astrophysics PhD student at UC Irvine studying galaxy evolution; this means I help write the story on how distant galaxies evolve to look like the galaxies in our local Universe today. I spend most of my time reading, talking to other space nerds about what we've read, and working on publishing my own science to contribute to the conversation. I still can't believe I'm lucky enough to do this every day, and I'm sorry but no, I can't tell you your sign ;)
What inspires you?
The most obvious answer is Mother Nature. She is the Universe - a giant puzzle waiting to be solved, a question waiting to be answered, revealing parts of herself to us on her own time. On a more day-to-day basis, I'm most inspired by my network of ambitious, brilliant, and badass women - particularly those who exist unapologetically spaces that weren't built for them. And, of course, the boundless beam of light in my life that is my future husband.
Give me an abridged version of your journey.
I've always loved learning - like really loved it. I can't remember a time where I've gone more than a week without dedicating several hours to reading up on something new and often unrelated to whatever I was doing at that moment. In fact, I can't remember a single time in my life where I wasn't considering a career based in science; I've considered pursuing marine biology, archaeology, epidemiology, meteorology - you name it, I've probably considered it.
And although science is my passion, I didn’t actively pursue it at first. Teachers and guidance counselors throughout my journey mistook my thirst for knowledge for a desire to teach. Don't get me wrong, I love sharing what I've learned with others so we can all geek out together. It's also important for me to recognize that the majority of the strong female figures in my life were teachers, so teaching seemed like a good fit. But I ultimately grew bored studying math education during undergrad, switched my major to applied math so I could graduate on time with a degree in STEM, and then got a job that pays well, because that's what you're supposed to do, right?
Wrong. I checked all the boxes for what I thought was a road map for success, but I was still depressed and completely uninspired. At the time, I had moved from Maryland to LA to live with my then-boyfriend, now-fiancé, Patrick (did I mentioned I'm getting married?). Even though I was unhappy at work, I was suddenly surrounded by so many people who were pursuing their passions with a fire I had never seen - people who never cringed when asked exactly what it is that they do; instead, they lit up. I wanted that and, bless his soul, Patrick wanted it for me too. We spent countless hours talking about what I always wanted to do, what got me excited, etc. One day on one of our long morning walks, after thinking about it for quite some time, I hesitantly mentioned pursuing a career in astronomy, and Patrick didn't even flinch. Instead, he said to me "why not?", and I've haven't looked back since. It's been a tough journey, with more twists and turns than one hopes for, but I'm happier than I've ever been in my entire life. I'm also poorer and busier, and yet still happier :)
What’s your biggest accomplishment thus far?
I published a scientific paper! Papers are academic currency and I felt like I didn't belong until I had some currency of my own. I'm still technically in the final phases of publishing this dang thing while also juggling new projects and endeavors, but I'm very proud to have a body of work that I can say is my own.
What’s next for you?
I'm working on a new research project and hoping that I'm asking the right questions that will lead to interesting results. I'm also the co-founder of a new peer mentoring program for graduate students in our department. I'm really excited to see how these efforts grow and change over the next year - stay tuned!
Name one major goal for the future so your sistren can manifest that with you.
I'd really like to one day weave together what I've learned through my science and yoga. I have some ideas on how to do that, but it will be a while until I have the freedom to explore it more. I hope that I don't lose sight of this more creative part of myself during that time - pray for me!
Name: Arianna
Age: This body has experienced 26.5 orbits around the Sun.
Location/Region: Orange County
Industry: Science/Astrophysics
Theme Song: Hype song is definitely Ego by Bibi Bourelly, Frank Ocean's rendition of Moon River moves my soul, as does Confidently Lost by Sabrina Claudio
Favorite Place to Travel: anywhere I can see the ocean and the stars
Best Book You’ve Read in the Past Year: Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin (fiction) and Taking Charge of Your Fertility (nonfiction)
If You Were A Color You Would Be: sage green or gold
Best Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Been Given: Everything written in The Four Agreements.
Favorite Article of Clothing: oversized cardigans - so cozy!
Biggest Fear: That I'm not disciplined enough to become be successful in my field.
#1 on Your Bucket List: I don't really keep a bucket list but some of my goals include getting yoga teacher certified, live long enough to witness discovery life elsewhere in the Universe, and visit the ALMA radio telescope in the Chilean Andes.
Fictional Character You Most Identify With: Amy Santiago from Brooklyn 99. It was the first time I've seen a type-a female character on a show, with high ambitions and serious pride in her organizational skills, who was also written in a positive light. Why can't us overachievers/planners also be adorable and friendly?
Daily Affirmation: Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
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