Dr. Eryn Cangi is a planetary scientist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she also received her PhD. Previously, she studied physics at the University of Oregon. Her primary interests are in the history and evolution of planets, especially their atmospheres, comparative planetology, and the development, evolution, and loss of habitability. As a team member with the MAVEN mission at Mars, she spends a good deal of time thinking about Mars and the escape of its atmosphere via hydrogen and deuterium. With computational photochemical modeling of atmospheres, she also studies Venus and rocky planets more generally. Having pivoted from a non-science background, Eryn is an advocate for effective science communication and outreach, and can frequently be found volunteering with Sommers-Bausch Observatory.

Before becoming a scientist, Eryn completed a degree in theatre arts, in which she trained as a stage manager and costume designer. Her favorite weird skill from this time period is an ability to identify the setting of visual media (TV, movies, etc) with a ±10 year accuracy. Stage management/assistant stage management credits include Oklahoma!, Speed-the-Plow, Around the World in 80 Days, and Annelie in the Depths of the Night, the last of which was also a rare production that went on “tour” to rural schools around Oregon. Before and during the transition to science, Eryn also worked as university staff in helpdesk IT and departmental administration.

Outside of science, you can find Eryn doing many different activities, including climbing, hiking, camping, ski/snowboarding, gardening, knitting, and participating in social Latin dance.