Farmville Native Zora Lewis Excels in Astrophysics Studies

Lewis to Attend Graduate School After Standout Undergraduate Research Presentation

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Zora Lewis, a senior majoring in astrophysics at Colby College in Maine, has strong ties to the Farmville, Virginia community. Lewis has excelled in her studies, gaining research experience at the Marine Maritime Museum and serving as a teaching assistant at Colby. This past summer, she was selected for a prestigious undergraduate research program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where her work was recognized as one of the top 10 presentations at the recent American Astronomical Society conference.

Why it matters

Lewis' success highlights the academic excellence of students from the Farmville area and demonstrates the opportunities available to pursue advanced degrees and research in the field of astrophysics. Her achievements also showcase the strength of Colby College's astrophysics program and the University of Wisconsin's undergraduate research initiatives.

The details

At Colby, Lewis has been a member of the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society and will be graduating in May 2026. During her time at the university, she gained experience working at the Marine Maritime Museum and serving as a teaching assistant, further developing her skills in astrophysics. This past summer, Lewis was selected for the University of Wisconsin, Madison's Research Experience for Undergraduates program, where she conducted research on "MINKE – A Multi-Component Line Catalog to Trace Shock Excitation in NGC 1068." Her work was recognized as one of the top 10 presentations at the recent American Astronomical Society conference in Phoenix.

  • Lewis graduated from St. Timothy's High School in Stevenson and began attending Colby College in the Fall of 2022.
  • During her sophomore year, Lewis gained experience working at the Marine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine.
  • In her junior year, Lewis was selected to serve as a teaching assistant at Colby College.
  • This past summer, Lewis participated in the University of Wisconsin, Madison's Research Experience for Undergraduates program.
  • Lewis presented her research at the American Astronomical Society conference in Phoenix, AZ the week of January 5, 2026.

The players

Zora Lewis

A senior majoring in astrophysics at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and a member of the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society.

Ralf Kotulla

Director of the University of Wisconsin, Madison's Research Experience for Undergraduates program, where Lewis participated this past summer.

Jacqueline and Warren Reid

Owners of the Bland Reid Funeral Home in Farmville, Virginia, and Lewis' cousins.

Louden Marshall Sr., Annie B. Marshall, Harry P. Marshall Sr., and Martha Dean Marshall

Lewis' great-grandparents and grandparents, who are long-standing members of the Farmville community.

Wilbur and Pat Dean, Beulah Marshall Wiley

Lewis' great-uncle and great-aunt, including Beulah Marshall Wiley, the founder of the Beulah M. Wiley Center at CVCHC.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

After graduation, Lewis will be headed to graduate school to continue her research and pursue a doctorate in astrophysics.

The takeaway

Zora Lewis' success in astrophysics research and her recognition at the American Astronomical Society conference demonstrate the academic excellence of students from the Farmville area and the strength of the astrophysics program at Colby College. Her achievements also highlight the opportunities available for undergraduates to participate in prestigious research programs and further their education in the field of astrophysics.