Hispanic Heritage Month Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Carlos Vargas

The College of Science is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring some of the College’s outstanding faculty with Hispanic roots. Our last featured faculty member is Dr. Carlos Vargas, an Assistant Professor of Astronomy and an Assistant Astronomer at Steward Observatory. 

The College of Science spoke with Dr. Vargas to learn more about his journey to the University of Arizona, some of his favorite memories around family, and his love of Star Trek that drove him to Astronomy. 

You can learn more about Dr. Vargas and his work here.

Dr. Carlos Vargas

Assistant Professor, Department of Astronomy
Assistant Astronomer, Steward Observatory

College of Science: Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your journey to the University of Arizona. 

Vargas: I grew up poor. Much of my academic life was spent catching up to my peers; it was clear I was not on an equal footing entering college. I was very fortunate to benefit from a supportive and funded undergraduate research project in astrophysics that was transformative for my career trajectory. Though the decision to attend graduate school was very difficult due to financial reasons, I went to New Mexico State University in Las Cruces to earn my Ph.D. My time at NMSU was spectacular; I was able to meet many incredible people and perform cutting-edge research at world-class observatory facilities. From there I came to the University of Arizona to work on ultraviolet space missions with Prof. Erika Hamden, and now I’m the Principal Investigator of a NASA-funded spaceflight mission called Aspera!  

COS: When looking back on your childhood and spending time with family, are there any favorite traditions or memories that stick out to you?

Vargas: My father was born in Puerto Rico, and my most vivid childhood memories revolve around food! Eating pasteles at Christmas time and summer cookouts with pinchos and arroz con gandules always bring me back!

COS: Who are some of the people who have made the greatest impact on your life?

Vargas: My parents were so incredibly supportive of everything I put my mind to and certainly have had the greatest impact on my life! I also really benefitted from great mentors throughout the years. Mr. Coleman, my high school physics teacher, encouraged me to study astronomy and physics. Prof. Eric Gawiser at Rutgers gave me the opportunity to see myself as a true scientist. Lastly, Prof. Rene Walterbos at NMSU helped me grow into that scientist!

COS: What was it that drew you to your area of research and expertise?

Vargas: My mom and I would watch old episodes of Star Trek together when I was a kid. I remember always dreaming of being a scientist on a starship, mapping stars and studying nebulae. This quickly and naturally turned into a lifelong love of astronomy and space exploration.

COS: What is your favorite part of being a scientist?

Vargas: My favorite part of being a scientist is having the opportunity to work with other incredible scientists, engineers, and students toward a common goal. I have worked on a number of projects in my career, and it truly feels as though I have ‘research families’ that I will cherish forever.