From day one, Laura Chomiuk was a rising star in astronomy.
The College of Natural Science Physics and Astronomy professor has been showered with accolades since she entered the field two decades ago. Michigan State University and outside entities have lauded her for her research, mentorship and excellence in teaching. And in January, she received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, or PECASE, the highest honor given to scientists by the U.S. government early in their careers.
Chomiuk’s mind should be on her bright future. She should be setting goals and dreaming of what she wants to accomplish over the next few decades. But dreams for the future have looked a little different since Chomiuk was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2020.
Her fight against the disease gave her a different perspective on her career, and life in general. These days, she’s thinking of her legacy she’ll leave behind at MSU.
“I don’t think about it as a 20-year plan,” Chomiuk said. “Five years would be great. I’ve just been trying to enjoy the science I’m doing, and support students in getting out cool studies. I’m trying to work on things that bear fruit with a little less effort.”
Read the full story on the College of Natural Science website.