Meet Tanya Harrison

Tanya Harrison graduated with a PhD in Geology with a specialization in Planetary Science and Exploration. She is currently a Manager of Science Programs for Planet Labs. In her free time, Tanya enjoys photography and Irish dancing, her favourite movie is The Fifth Element.

When did your love of STEM begin?

I grew up watching Star Trek, which fed into it a lot, but the actual spark I remember was not sci-fi at all. When I was 5, I saw the film “Big Bird in Japan,” where Sesame Street’s Big Bird ends up meeting Kaguya Hime, the mythological Japanese princess of the Moon. After that, I would go outside every night and stare at the sky—and I was hooked.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

In STEM, you’re constantly learning! You’re also at the forefront of innovation and knowledge, which is really exciting. You never know what you might see or do each day.

What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people working in the fields you are interested in to ask for advice or mentorship! Having an ally to help guide you along the way can be a great thing.