PISCES is pleased to welcome a new member to the team! Former intern Kyla Edison has joined the staff as a full-time geologist and technician to continue the Materials Science work she began during her internship last summer. Working with Ops. Manager Christian Andersen, Kyla will research basalt sintering and casting methods as part of a NASA STTR project aimed at developing ISRU technology to benefit Hawaii and the future of space settlement.

Kyla has interned with PISCES over three terms, demonstrating a consistent excellence and passion for her work. As a UH Hilo alumna with a Bachelor’s in Geology, she is fascinated by the study of rocks and experimenting with molten lava to create novel construction materials.

“I’m excited about my new position,” Kyla said. “It’s been a lot of work to get to this point.”

Throughout her time as an intern, Kyla has played supporting roles in the PISCES Women’s STARS Program, and in numerous education outreach events. In 2016, she supported NASA’s BASALT (Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains) Mars research mission on Hawaii Island to help develop protocols for a manned mission to the Red Planet.

PISCES is fortunate to have her on the team. Welcome Kyla!