After completing an internship at NASA Ames and earning a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics from UC Berkeley, Delphine Veronese-Milin knew she wanted to take a break from academics to gain real-world experience. With the pandemic in full swing, she never could have predicted she’d go from managing a restaurant to rounding up cattle in Montana—but that’s exactly what she did. “I think it was just time for a change of air,” she recalls.

That same curiosity and openness to new experiences eventually led her to B612—first as an intern, and now as a core team member. “I had never heard of B612 before,” she says, “but once I started learning what they were doing, I knew I wanted to be involved.”

Her resume stood out. Raised in a trilingual (French, Italian, English) household in Palo Alto, Delphine had just begun a master’s program in data science through Harvard Extension and was looking to apply her technical skills in a mission-driven environment where interdisciplinary thinking was valued.

Since joining, Delphine has become an integral part of the team. She’s contributed to everything from social media and donor communications to working with the Asteroid Institute’s science team on classification models and orbital risk analysis. One of her proudest accomplishments was adapting a risk corridor tool to analyze a new asteroid. “It was satisfying to feel confident enough in the process that I could guide someone else through it,” she says.

When asked what surprised her most, Delphine pointed to the collaboration across roles. “You can have a brilliant team of software engineers, but someone has to bring their work together and make it usable—operationally, technically, and publicly. That’s what I’ve learned at B612: the science is only part of it.”

Her current studies in data science complement that insight. Harvard’s flexible program allows her to continue developing her skills in machine learning and software while staying connected to real-world applications. She’s particularly drawn to work that blends technical depth with communication and collaboration.

“I’ve met astronauts. I’ve worked on real science tools. I’ve helped shape projects I didn’t think I’d be part of—especially as a student.”

 

But what’s kept her engaged isn’t just the subject matter—it’s the team. “We’re all from different backgrounds—we’re a small team—and somehow we make it work,” she says. “One day we’re talking asteroid trajectories, the next we’re planning a hackathon. And I look forward to every meeting.”

Delphine’s path is a reminder that excellence grows from curiosity, trust, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“Working here has shown me how astrophysics, data science, and operations can come together in unexpected and meaningful ways.”

Her journey—from ranch hand to asteroid mapper—reflects what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. With support from donors, B612 can continue building a future where students like Delphine become the scientists and systems thinkers who help innovate the field.