These expeditions and analog missions have informed my understanding of human performance, adaptation, decision-making, and team dynamics in demanding environments.

Roles have included Executive Officer, Crew Psychological Officer, Health and Safety Officer, Mission Specialist, and Psychological Projects Lead across analog astronaut missions, polar expeditions, and operational field environments.

Fieldwork and Expeditions

A woman in a navy uniform with a NASA patch on her shoulder takes a selfie in a desert-like environment with a cloudy sky. In the background, there are sparse plants, flags, and a metal rail fence.
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Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station

Laura was the health and safety officer (HSO) and mission specialist for Crew 17 as part of the 2025 Flashine Arctic season. The crew were self-supported on Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island in the world…

Group of six people in winter gear holding a banner at the North Pole, with a snow and ice background, celebrating the 2022 SEA ICE RESEARCH EXPEDITION.
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B.I.G. North Pole expedition team

Between 2022 - 2024 Laura participated as a team member and psychological projects lead on a series of self-supported sea ice ski expeditions collecting data for climate science in the high Arctic…

Group of eight women dressed as astronauts in space suits, sitting and posing for a photo in front of a space-themed backdrop with the words "Nextgen Astronauts & Spaceheroes" and a website URL.
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Mars Medics V mission (MMAARS)

Laura was crew psychological officer (CPO) for the first all-female space analog mission in The Mojave Desert, where they lived isolated in a confined habitat for 10 days…