How Athena Brensberger Is Reclaiming Space, Science & Stardom—One Orbit at a Time
From ballet shoes to space boots, model-turned-astrophysicist Athena Brensberger is redefining what it means to be a woman in STEM. As the founder of Astroathens and a rising voice in science communication, Athena blends cosmic curiosity with couture confidence, proving you don’t have to choose between beauty and brains—you can be both. In this powerful conversation, Athena opens up about her journey, the duality of feminine power in science, and how she’s mentoring the next generation to look up—way up.
Athena Brensberger is the celestial force behind Astroathens, a brand that orbits where science, storytelling, and stardust meet. A science communicator, astrophysics student, model, and soon-to-be mom, Athena’s trajectory is anything but traditional—and that’s exactly what makes it revolutionary. From discovering the Hubble Space Telescope images at age 12 to walking fashion week runways and launching content with PBS NOVA, Athena is the embodiment of dual worlds: the artist and the scientist, the glam and the grit.
She grew up in New York City, first drawn to the arts—ballet, theater, painting—but her heart was irrevocably claimed by the cosmos when she stumbled across a book of galaxies. That one moment ignited a lifelong love affair with space. What followed was a fierce pursuit of purpose that led her through planetariums, observatories, TV screens, and now—into motherhood. Through it all, Athena never muted her femininity to fit into a male-dominated field. She amplified it.
This conversation is for the girls who love glitter and gravity. For the women who’ve been told to dim their light in labs. For anyone who has ever been underestimated and rose anyway.
Welcome to Athena’s orbit.
Let’s start at the beginning. What first drew you into STEM and the world of astronomy?
It all started in seventh grade. We were asked to pick a book from the shelf in my science class, and I randomly grabbed one filled with images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. I thought they were art prints—paintings. I had no idea they were real photos of galaxies. That moment changed everything. I was a ballet dancer at the time, totally immersed in the arts, but I became instantly obsessed. I thought: Is this what our universe really looks like? From that moment, I knew I had to pursue astronomy. It was soul-level knowing.
Did you have anyone in your family who was already in science or STEM?
Not at all. My parents were both artists for the most part. I grew up immersed in creative expression—dance, music, painting, theater. So science wasn’t even on the radar. But I think that background gave me a unique lens through which I see the cosmos—art and science are deeply connected.
When did that passion turn into an actual pursuit?
In high school. I auditioned into the vocal program at Edward R. Murrow High School and had no idea they had a planetarium. By junior year, I could take astronomy classes—and everything changed. I learned how to track asteroids, navigate a planetarium… It was pure magic. The same kind of serendipity followed me to college. I didn’t even realize the College of Staten Island had an observatory when I applied, and yet, there it was, waiting for me.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in STEM?
It hit me most during my second year of internships—around the same time I got scouted for America’s Next Top Model and started modeling. I felt torn between two worlds. Science was the “serious” path, and I worried people wouldn’t take me seriously if I showed up in heels or wore makeup after a model casting. I even altered my voice, wore glasses on purpose, and toned myself down. It was this subtle, internalized pressure to masculinize myself, and basically just make myself NOT look like a Barbie to be credible.
Was there a turning point when you realized your femininity was actually a superpower in STEM?
Yes. I realized I could use my natural tone of voice to make a greater impact than trying to change it. And then combining that with my background in theater and performance to communicate science in a compelling way. I wasn’t like everyone else—and that was the point. Eventually, I stopped trying to blend in and started owning the full spectrum of who I am. Modeling, stage presence, science—they all work together. That’s when I discovered science communication.
Do you feel like you had to shift into a more masculine energy to succeed?
At first, yes. I think we all have both energies within us, but I leaned hard into masculine energy at first. I changed how I dressed, spoke, even how I moved. But now, I look back and realize how unnecessary that was. Embracing my feminine essence actually made me stronger, more confident, and more effective in my field.
What are the most important qualities for women in STEM to cultivate?
Confidence—above all. And open-mindedness. You have to be willing to unlearn the narratives you’ve inherited about what a “scientist” looks like. You don’t have to shrink to fit into the mold. Find what works for you. And if you can, build a sisterhood of women who uplift you. That changes everything.
Can you share a project you’re especially proud of?
Definitely working on PBS NOVA’s YouTube series What the Physics?! I am the host, writer, and producer. Growing up watching NOVA and then getting to be part of their programming? That was a full-circle moment
What advice would you give to young girls dreaming of a career in STEM?
Explore everything. There are so many fascinating intersections—astrobiology, microbiology, planetary science. Find what lights you up. And don’t do it alone. Join clubs, find community, reach out to mentors. And when it gets hard (because it will), remember why you started.
How has mentorship shaped your path?
Completely. My first mentor, Dr. Charles Liu, ran into our classroom, jumped on a desk, and shouted, “Who wants to learn astronomy?” I was hooked. He gave me my first research opportunity. I’ve also had mentors like Dr. Kelly Cruz and Dr. Emily Rice, who literally blend science and fashion through their brand Startorialist. And even a brief mentorship with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson at the Hayden Planetarium helped shape me. Mentorship is everything.
Have you been a mentor yourself?
Yes, in smaller ways. Sometimes a DM turns into a Zoom call, and suddenly we’re having life-changing conversations. I always want to give back, especially to women entering this field. I know what that support can do.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Structure. I write everything out. I have separate notebooks for daily agendas, work, and school. I intentionally carve out time for myself—mornings, evenings, yoga classes, community events. Even going to astronomy club meetings with my husband helps me bridge joy and career.
What’s the impact you hope your work has on the world?
I want more people to feel connected to the cosmos—and for girls to know that being feminine and loving science aren’t mutually exclusive. On a bigger scale? I’d love to contribute to the search for life beyond Earth. That would be the dream.
Is there a discovery or milestone you’d love to witness in your lifetime?
Walking on the moon—literally. I want to go. But short of that, I’d love to see a thriving human presence on the moon and real contact with peaceful alien life. (Why not dream big?)
What breakthroughs are exciting you most in your field right now?
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launching in 2027. It’s going to revolutionize how we find exoplanets—Earth-like worlds beyond our solar system. I’m so excited about that.
How important is collaboration in your work?
It’s everything. Whether it’s co-creating with other SciComm creators, walking the Cosmic Couture fashion show, or forming group chats with women in STEM—it fuels me. We rise by sharing our platforms and ideas.
What challenges do women in STEM still face?
Online harassment is a huge one. The trolling can be intense and deeply gendered. Some women are harassed simply for showing up in a lab coat. But we can’t stop. We have to support each other fiercely and keep showing up exactly as we are.
What are your future goals?
I’m finishing my astronomy degree this year after a decade-long modeling career. That’s a huge milestone. I’d love to create a children’s show about space—make it fun, interactive, inspiring. Maybe even pursue a master’s or PhD one day. And with a baby on the way, I’m entering a whole new universe of learning.
Final words of wisdom for our readers?
Live your life like a science experiment. Test out different things, and sometimes take leaps of faith. If you Fail.. learn from it and try again. Your dreams are never too big. The stars are literally the limit.
