TAMPA, Fla. — At just 14 years old, Emma Carr has already accomplished something most scientists only dream about: sending her own science experiment into space.
The Academy of the Holy Names freshman is one of four members of “Team Supernovas,” a group of teen innovators whose biodiesel experiment launched to the International Space Station on Sunday morning.
“It was a team effort,” Emma said. “Me and Team Supernovas created and designed this experiment that makes biodiesel from an algae called Chlorella vulgaris.”
Emma worked alongside three other students, including teammate Valentina Guillen. Together, they engineered a system that extracts oil from the algae using a piston and then heats and mixes it in microgravity.
“It’ll create what we think will be a sustainable new type of fuel for future space travel endeavors,” Emma explained.
Their experiment will now be performed by astronauts aboard the ISS.
The dream started early for Emma.
“I’m pretty sure it started when my mom read me this book called Roaring Rockets,” she said. “I loved it so much. I was like, I want to be an astronaut. And it just stuck with me ever since.”
Emma has been in and out of space centers since she was little, her fascination only growing stronger with time. Now, that early spark has ignited something greater.
Her teammate Valentina shared a message for other young girls with big dreams in STEM:
“If you’re passionate about it, never stop going for it,” Valentina said. “No matter what people might say or what you might hear — you do belong in the industry.”
Emma agrees.
“I just think it goes to show that you can do anything you set your mind to at any age,” she said.
Emma and Valentina say the rest of their Supernova teammates are just as excited and passionate about this launch — the first of what they hope will be many in their budding space careers.
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