How Sarafina El-Badry Nance Is Helping to Create a More Equitable Future in STEM

Plus, the astrophysicist and analog astronaut shares her favorite Columbia Sportswear picks for work and play.

Sarafina El-Badry Nance.Courtesy of Sarafina El-Badry Nance

Sarafina El-Badry Nance is an astrophysicist and analog astronaut who is actively working to make the future of STEM more inclusive for young women and girls. Nance uses her voice and her online platforms to break down barriers in order to make science more approachable and accessible.

The Egyptian-American says representation is key when it comes to getting young people interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She observes that she didn’t see scientists that looked like her as a little girl, so she hopes to be that positive role model for today’s younger generation.

“I think so much of that is representation and really showing a woman of color who is actively pursuing her dreams in a field that is, by design, not for someone like me,” Nance shares. “I think showing that in a very honest, candid way [is important] where it’s not always easy and it can be extremely difficult, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.”

Nance, who was a 2022 Swim Search finalist, hopes to be a leading example of how women really can have it all. While she plans to graduate with her Ph.D. in astrophysics later this year, Nance will also release her memoir, Starstruck: A Memoir of Astrophysics and Finding Light in the Dark, in June.

“For me, that representation can look a bunch of different ways,” she states. “It can look like modeling in a swimsuit and also talking about science.”

Nance encourages young women and girls to pursue their passions, no matter what they look like and where they come from, in order to bring unique and valuable perspectives to whichever fields they choose to pursue.

She shares that honoring our differences is vitally important to facilitating change in the world, and while she hopes to be representative of that notion, she’s also conscious of the companies she partners with to ensure they share her vision.

“[I ask myself] how can I leverage my platform and my place as a scientist and work with companies and industries that aren’t necessarily what one might expect from an astrophysicist in order to show that anybody can become a scientist, anybody can pursue their dreams,” she says.

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Nance is currently working with Columbia Sportswear and Intuitive Machines, two brands that are aligned with her messaging of encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM.

“Part of [creating an equitable future in STEM] is elevating voices that are historically not represented in the types of spaces that I’m talking about. As part of that, my work with Columbia and Intuitive Machines is tackling that problem by providing scholarships to women in STEM, specifically at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,” Nance says. “[That type of] financial support is a meaningful way of actually making a difference in this community.”

When Intuitive Machines sends its Nova-C lunar lander to the moon this month, the spacecraft will be protected from extreme temperatures with Columbia’s Omni-Heat™ Infinity thermal-reflective technology—the very same materials the sportswear company uses in several of its jackets, vests and boots.

Below are Nance’s five favorite Columbia Sportswear picks that she relies on whether she’s stargazing for work or hitting the trails for play.

Columbia Women’s Platinum Peak™ Hooded Jacket, $180 (columbia.com)

Columbia

Nance says this jacket, available in black, is both warm and light-weight.

Columbia Women’s Infinity Summit™ Omni-Heat™ Infinity Double Wall™ Down Hooded Jacket, $129.98 (columbia.com)

Columbia

This down jacket is water resistant, so Nance loves wearing it on foggy hikes in San Francisco.

Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Utility™ Long Sleeve Shirt, $60 (columbia.com)

Columbia

Nance wears this top, available in six different colors, while hiking and says it provides excellent coverage against the sun.

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge™ Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot, $59.92 to $100 (columbia.com)

Columbia

Nance calls these classically styled boots “iconic.” They’re available in various color combinations to suit a variety of styles.

Columbia Women’s Facet™ 75 OutDry™ Shoe, $130 (columbia.com)

Columbia

With great traction and comfortable support, Nance often reaches for these shoes when she’s hiking trails.

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