KZ: Hi Dr Jessie! What are the best and worst parts of your job?

J: The best part is finding new planets! Brand new worlds that no-one has ever seen before, that could be anything. The worst part is how hard it is to find new planets.

KZ: What do you think are the most interesting skills or tools you get to use in this role?

J: I love trying to write code to solve problems! I sometimes joke that I got a PhD in writing code, not in astrophysics.

KZ: Did you take part in any activities or have any hobbies as a child that helped with your career, or gave you skills that you feel you use a lot at work?

J: I was probably about 10 when I first used my mum’s old telescope to try to find things in the sky. And I was definitely already reading books about science and the natural world by that age!

KZ: What is one fact you have learned in this role that you wish everyone knew?

J: Our Galaxy contains billions of planets, and many of them might be habitable, like the Earth.

KZ: Can you share an interesting behind the scenes fact about your job?

J: My team has three scientists and two data analysts and about half a dozen software developers and a writer! I think people are surprised that we have a writer. But clear writing is a skill, and not necessarily one that scientists or data analysts or software developers have!

KZ: What has been the highlight of this week at work?

J: This week I traveled to Mumbai, in India, to give a talk about the search for Earth 2.0, and the telescope we’re planning to build to do it! I got to meet so many amazing people, see some fantastic sights, and eat some delicious food.

KZ: What would K-Zoners be surprised to learn about you?

J: When I moved to the United States of America, I realised there was no cricket to watch and was sad. Then I realised baseball is a lot like cricket, and became a big fan. My team is the Red Sox – go Sox!

Want to read more of our interview with Dr Jessie? Grab the February 2023 'G.O.A.T. Gaming' issue, on sale now!