Jaren Ashcraft is a rising star in the field of space-based optical payloads and high-contrast imaging. He is a fourth-year PhD student and NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Fellow in Optical Sciences at University of Arizona. He works with the UA Space Astrophysics Laboratory & Large Optics Fabrication & Testing group to develop cutting-edge optic systems and tools for designing high-contrast imaging instrumentation. Jaren has previous experience as a visiting technologist at Subaru Telescope, an Optical Design Intern at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a Teaching Assistant at University of Rochester on courses related to optics, and has completed research internships at various universities in astronomy and optics.

Jaren completed his Bachelor of Science in Optics/Optical Sciences at University of Rochester, where he later pursued his Master of Science in Optical Sciences. Additionally, he studied Astronomy at University of Hawaii at Hilo with a summer course as a rising sophomore.

Jaren's expertise is in telescope/satellite instrumentation, optical system design, and high-contrast imaging, which he has applied in his research work and industry internships. He is available for contact via email at jashcraft@email.arizona.edu.