Some people dream of touching the stars. Others make it their life’s work to understand them. Erika from Mexico City is one of the few women in astrophysics in her country. Her story is about curiosity, perseverance, and the search for fairness — both in science and in everyday life.
My name is Erika. I’m from Mexico City, and I’m a PhD student in astrophysics. Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to understand the universe. Not just to find answers, but to find the answers that make the most sense.
In Mexico, there aren’t many women in science. Sometimes I feel like an exception — but never like a mistake. It’s simply a field where people don’t expect to see women, and that can make the environment feel discouraging.
How it started
My journey into astrophysics began early. I was 14, still in middle school, when I became fascinated by space. I was lucky to have access to museums and science books that opened up entire galaxies of curiosity for me. The more I studied, the more I realized that in the vastness of the universe, the smallest details often matter the most.
Today, I’m focused on studying how stars form,a field where the mysteries still outnumber the answers. Recently, I met a group of young women studying physics. We often connect to remind each other that we’re not alone; that our presence in science matters. It’s tough and competitive, but together, we’re stronger.
My life revolves around equations — time, mass, velocity — so when I use inDrive, I notice things others might not: distance, fairness, and how perfectly the system balances both. I choose inDrive because it makes sense; because I can choose who I ride with. And because fairness, to me, isn’t just a number. It’s something you feel.
Taking science to the people
One of the things that inspires me most is science outreach — events like Starry Night, where I get to talk to people of all ages, answer their questions, and see their eyes light up with wonder.
“How are stars born?” someone always asks. And I smile — because it’s still one of the questions that drives me forward.
If you really want something, go for it. — tThere will always be people who support you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out, because your curiosity matters, and so do you. When I need to get somewhere, I choose what makes the most sense — the fair, logical option.
