Congratulations to the 2025 Kathryn K. and James D. Steele Fellow: Katherine Gold

Congratulations to Katherine Gold who has been selected as the recipient of the 2024-2025 Kathryn K. and James D. Steele Fellow!

Katherine Gold is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in physical chemistry at the University of Arizona, specializing in astrochemistry—the study of chemistry in interstellar space—under the mentorship of Professor Lucy Ziurys. Her dissertation research focuses on the molecular composition of planetary nebulae, the final evolutionary stage of most stars. She uses radio telescopes to detect rotational spectra of gas-phase molecules towards these nebulae, where she has found various small organic molecules including formaldehyde. Such findings are quite surprising, as the nebula’s central star emits intense ultraviolet radiation, which has been thought to prohibit molecule formation. Katherine’s work is generating a new perspective concerning the chemistry in extreme environments.

A Bryn Mawr College alumna (B.A. in mathematics in 2021), Katherine is deeply committed to science, outreach, and actively engaging with the academic community. She serves as a co-organizer for the ACS AstroCheminar series, the Professional Development Chair for the Program to Advance Women Scientists (PAWS) at the University of Arizona, and a member of the CBC Graduate Student Council. In these roles, she has organized a variety of events to empower others and foster professional growth. Katherine is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and making science exciting for all.