Anika Mehlis, PhD
Analog Astronaut, Microbiologist, Environmental Engineer, and Public Health Professional
Austrian Space Forum
Austrian Space Forum conducst analog missions on Earth to prepare for future missions to Mars; we also do outreach and education. I train for and take part in analog missions in remote areas on Earth to prepare for future missions to Mars. I am also a microbiologist who is working on finding ways to improve our healthcare system for better health for everyone.
I love being an analog astronaut because I get to explore and to work in international and interdisciplinary teams with amazing people. By combining my passions, I also get to play a small part in helping humankind along on their way to a healthy, sustainable future!
There is no "typical“ day for me, as I do so many different things! Some days, I spend exercising, attending online conference calls, and caring for my three kids. Other days, I spend travelling and giving lectures or interviews. Or I am sitting in front of my laptop reading, doing research, or writing papers.
After high school, I spent a year abroad. Then I went to university and studied Biology. After earning a Master of Science degree in Microbiology, I worked in a lab doing environmental testing. I earned a second Master's degree in Environmental Engineering while I was at home with my second child. This was followed by eight years as a team leader for infectious diseases control at a public health department. Over the past several years, I also became an analog astronaut and have earned a PhD in public health/health sciences from Bielefeld University!
I‘d love to go on an actual space mission! I hope to be able to work both "in the lab" and "in the field“. I plan to continue sharing my passion for all things space, sustainability, public health and STEM.
I am a runner and love being outside. I also love to cuddle up with a good read. I have lots of friends who I like to spend time with; same goes for my family. Since I love my work very much, the time I spend working also gives me great joy!
Working as an analog astronaut in a team of professionals hailing from hugely diverse backgrounds gives me great hope that humankind can succeed in building "a better tomorrow“ for everyone.