Introducing Dr. Karen I. Perez, the Pioneering Fellow!

In an exciting development for the scientific community, the SETI Institute has announced Dr. Karen I. Perez as the first-ever William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellow. Set to commence in Fall 2025, Dr. Perez will spearhead cutting-edge research using advanced machine learning and GPU technologies to analyze data from the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) in Hat Creek, California, and other telescopes worldwide.

Revolutionizing Radio Astronomy with Advanced Tech

Dr. Perez's groundbreaking work aims to improve the detection of single-pulse transients and technosignatures, crucial in the quest to find signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. She emphasizes that this role is a dream come true, one she has aspired to since her teenage years.

"Working at the SETI Institute and contributing to the search for intelligent life has been a dream of mine since I was 15," Perez expressed. "I'm truly honored to be the first Welch Postdoctoral Fellow and to be part of such an incredible mission!"

An Academic Journey Fueled by Passion

Dr. Perez boasts an impressive academic background, having earned her B.A. in Astronomy with an Astrophysics concentration from Cornell University. She sharpened her research skills during her fellowship at the Berkeley SETI Research Center, where she focused on establishing new pulsar search strategies. Her contributions were recognized with the prestigious SETI Forward Award in 2020.

She later completed her PhD at Columbia University, further collaborating with the Breakthrough Listen team and mentoring aspiring scientists in the field.

A Bright Future Ahead

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Andrew Siemion from the SETI Institute commended her outstanding potential, stating, "Dr. Perez has demonstrated tremendous accomplishment as an early-career scientist. Her creativity and determination, combined with the resources at SETI, promise some thrilling advancements in our understanding of the universe!"

Dr. Wael Farah, Project Scientist for the ATA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Dr. Perez's ability to revolutionize technosignature detection, which will shape the future of SETI research.

The Fellowship's Vision for the Future

The William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship seeks to support exceptional early-career scientists in pioneering research that merges cutting-edge instrumentation with critical questions in astronomy, particularly in the search for extraterrestrial life.

With an annual application window, this fellowship aims to propel the SETI Institute's mission of unraveling the mysteries of life and intelligence in the cosmos, sharing newfound knowledge with the world.

About the SETI Institute: A Beacon of Hope in Astronomy

Established in 1984, the SETI Institute is a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of life beyond Earth. With a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses physical and biological sciences, the institute combines innovative data analytics, machine learning, and advanced signal detection technologies.

As a trusted partner to agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation, the SETI Institute continues to lead the charge in humanity's quest for understanding our place in the universe.