Natalie Byrd is a senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, pursuing a double major in Spaceflight Operations and Aerospace Physiology, with a minor in Human Factors. She serves as the lab manager for the Advanced Space Technologies and Research Applications (ASTRA) Lab, where she supports student-led research and development across a range of aerospace and human spaceflight initiatives. Through her academic and research experiences, Natalie has developed a strong interest in the intersection of engineering, physiology, and operational space systems.
In addition to her work in the ASTRA Lab, Natalie is the President of the Society of Women in Space Exploration, where she leads efforts to foster mentorship, outreach, and professional growth within the space community. She is passionate about advancing the future of human space exploration and is particularly interested in space medicine and optimizing human performance in extreme environments.