Scholar Snapshot featuring Lakyn S. Reed

"I wrote an essay for my Theory of Knowledge class where my favorite paragraph was written on the exoplanet HD 209458 b, the first to be observed in transit. Although this exoplanet is not a recent discovery, the research I did in order to include it in my essay is what really led me to realize what I want to study." Lakyn Reed , winner of a 2023 National Merit Whitman College Scholarship, is pursuing a major in astrophysics while also studying mathematics and Japanese. She says, "Since the discoveries of the first known exoplanets, the rate of discovery has increased exponentially, and seeing every new planet that gets discovered inspires me even more to reach the point where I can be involved in that discovery and analysis process."

"The scholarship I got through the NMSC program is allowing me to study the subject I want at a private institution," Lakyn says. "I didn't believe it at first when I was told that I qualified as a Semifinalist. . . . I recognize the honor in being a part of [the NMSC Scholar Community], and I look forward to showing people what I can do."