Elizabeth Jens | |
|---|---|
 Jens in 2019 US Embassy Canberra video | |
| Born | |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | University of Melbourne Stanford University |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| Thesis | Hybrid rocket combustion and applications to space exploration missions (2015) |
Elizabeth Jens (born 1984) is an Australian propulsion engineer who works at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Jens is from Torquay, Victoria. [1] [2] She decided at the age of twelve that she wanted to be an astronaut, after seeing a talk from one of the Apollo astronauts in Geelong. [3] She went to school at Sacred Heart College, Geelong, where she was encouraged to study maths and physics. [2] She studied at the University of Melbourne, graduating with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and bachelor's degree in physics in 2008. [2] [4] She attended an introductory course at the International Space University at Ames Research Center. [3] She completed her graduate studies as a Fulbright scholar (sponsored by BHP) and Rotary International Scholar at Stanford University. [5] [6] [7] After her Masters, Jens joined Jet Propulsion Laboratory as an intern, before beginning a PhD in aeronautics and astronautics. [2] Jens was an Amelia Earhart Fellow in 2012 and 2014. [8] [9] She completed her PhD, "Hybrid Rocket Combustion and Applications to Space Exploration Missions" in 2016, under the supervision of Brian Cantwell and G. Scott Hubbard. [10] [11] Whilst still a student, Jens was recognised as an Emerging Space Industry Leader. [12]
Jens works on a cold-gas subsystem for Mars 2020. [2] She is also designing the propulsion systems for interplanetary SmallSat missions. [13]
Jens is involved with several initiatives to increase Australia's investment in the space industry. [14] [15] [16] She appeared on Australia's Science Channel as an expert discussing Elon Musk's Mars plan. [17] She took part in the Australia SXSW Festival. [18] [19] She supports Tech Girls Canada. [20] In 2018 Jens was listed as a Game Changer by Vogue (magazine). [21] [22]
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