MIT Grad Bridges Space Research and Policy

Carissma McGee SM '25 combines expertise in aeronautics and astronautics with public policy to shape the future of space exploration.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:08am

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A bold, geometric abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of green, blue, and brown, featuring sweeping arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals that evoke the complex forces and structures of space exploration and policy without using any text or symbols.An abstract visualization of the intricate relationship between space science and policy, reflecting the interdisciplinary work of MIT doctoral student Carissma McGee.Columbus Today

Carissma McGee SM '25 is a doctoral student in aeronautics and astronautics at MIT who is bridging the gap between rigorous technical analysis and policy decisions in the space industry. With dual master's degrees in aeronautics and astronautics and public policy, McGee has worked on intellectual property frameworks for space collaborations, combining her scientific expertise with policy analysis to tackle emerging governance challenges. She has conducted research with NASA, the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and developed software to support the Roman Space Telescope project.

Why it matters

McGee's work highlights the critical need for experts with both technical and policy expertise to shape the future of space research and exploration. By bringing her scientific knowledge into policy discussions, she aims to ensure that policymakers have the technical understanding necessary to make informed decisions. Conversely, her policy expertise allows her to identify and address key governance challenges early in the research process.

The details

During her time at MIT, McGee has worked in the Space, Telecommunications, Astronomy, and Radiation Laboratory (STAR Lab) with advisor Kerri Cahoy, professor of aeronautics and astronautics. She has had the freedom to craft her own interdisciplinary program, pursuing exoplanet astrophysics research while also participating in the Technology and Policy Program. In 2024, McGee was awarded a MathWorks Fellowship to pursue research associated with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and join a NASA mission. One of her key accomplishments is the development of PyLIMASS, a software system that enables more accurate mass and distance estimates in gravitational microlensing events, helping the Roman Space Telescope project meet its precision goals for studying exoplanets.

  • In 2020, McGee worked with her local congresswoman, Lisa Blunt Rochester, while back in her hometown in Delaware due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In 2023, McGee visited MIT and was struck by the Institute's openness to interdisciplinary work and support of her interest in combining aeronautics and astronautics with policy.
  • In 2024, McGee was awarded a MathWorks Fellowship to pursue research associated with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and join a NASA mission.
  • In May 2025, McGee graduated with dual master's degrees in aeronautics and astronautics and technology and policy.
  • In 2026, McGee was named Miss Black Massachusetts United States, recognized among MIT's Graduate Students of Excellence, and received the MIT MLK Leadership Award.

The players

Carissma McGee

A doctoral student in aeronautics and astronautics at MIT who is bridging the gap between rigorous technical analysis and policy decisions in the space industry.

Kerri Cahoy

Professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT and McGee's advisor in the Space, Telecommunications, Astronomy, and Radiation Laboratory (STAR Lab).

Lisa Blunt Rochester

A U.S. Representative from Delaware who McGee worked with as an undergraduate congressional intern and researcher.

MathWorks

A company that awarded McGee a fellowship in 2024 to pursue research associated with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and join a NASA mission.

Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

A NASA space telescope project that McGee conducted research for as part of her MathWorks Fellowship.

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What they’re saying

“I want to bring an expert level in science in the rooms where policy decisions are made. That perspective is critical for shaping the future of research and exploration.”

— Carissma McGee, Doctoral Student, Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT

“I enjoy being able to ask questions about intellectual property, territorial claims, knowledge transfer, or allocation of resources early on in a research project.”

— Carissma McGee, Doctoral Student, Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT

“To build software that didn't previously exist - and to know it will be used for the Roman mission - is incredibly exciting.”

— Carissma McGee, Doctoral Student, Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT

What’s next

McGee plans to continue her doctoral research at MIT, further exploring the intersection of space science and policy. She will likely present her work at upcoming academic conferences and seek opportunities to collaborate with policymakers and government agencies to ensure her expertise informs key decisions shaping the future of space exploration.

The takeaway

Carissma McGee's interdisciplinary work at the nexus of space research and policy highlights the critical need for experts who can bridge the gap between technical analysis and real-world decision-making. By combining her deep scientific knowledge with an understanding of the policy landscape, McGee is poised to play a key role in guiding the future of the space industry.