After graduating from Dartmouth College, Erika spent several years working as a biomedical engineer at Johnson Space Flight Center and as a mechanical engineer at Kennedy Space Flight Center. She then pursued a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. She presently works as an oceanographer and is passionate about studying turbulence in oceans and rivers.

As a young woman, the character Geordi LaForge on Star Trek: The Next Generation inspired Erika to pursue a career in math and science. Since then, she has used the medium of story to encourage young girls to pursue careers in math and science. Her goal is to demonstrate that, more than innate ability, it takes rugged determination to be successful in math and science.

When she’s not busy unraveling the secrets of the universe, Erika enjoys writing, drawing comics, and playing golf. She is a plant mom, a gardener, and a native of Baltimore County, Maryland.