Elizabeth Jens

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 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]