Astrophysicist and harpist Katelynn Ehlert is originally from the small town of Sturgis, Michigan. She is currently a sixth-year undergraduate student at Michigan State University (MSU) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics and a Bachelor of Arts in Harp Performance. She is dedicated to her studies in both degree programs while being an active member of the MSU and Lansing community.

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Katelynn is currently a research assistant at MSU for the Ice-Cube Neutrino Observatory. She is building and testing Digital Optical Modules (mDOMs) that will increase sensitivity and accuracy in the observatory to better develop our understanding of different neutrino particles. Prior to this, Katelynn spent two years working on the ATLAS project at MSU. On this project, she assembled and tested small diameter monitor drift tubes (sMDT) to upgrade the muon spectrometer in the ATLAS detector at CERN.

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As a harpist, Katelynn is not only a performer, but an educator as well. She currently performs with the various ensembles at Michigan State University and has served as the guest harpist for the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and the Livington Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions. She has also performed solo recitals for the MSU College of Music and the Advanced Studies Gateway at the FRIB, and was a finalist for the Elizabeth E.H. Green Solo Competition in 2023.

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Katelynn is also one of several dedicated instructors for the Capitol Harp Ensemble in Lansing Michigan. Founded by Chen-Yu Huang, the program provides accessible and affordable harp lessons for students and adults in the community. She has also been the harp instructor for the Sturgis High School Orchestra Camp since 2019.

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Throughout her career, Katelynn has become passionate in advocating for women in STEM. She is the proud president of the MSU Chapter of the Society of Women in Space Exploration (SWISE), an abundantly inclusive organization that is dedicated to representing and helping women in various career paths. She also serves as the Vice President of the West Michigan Harp Chapter, a growing group dedicated to bringing harpists and harp lovers together.

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Throughout her twelve years as a harpist, Katelynn has studied with many accomplished members of the harp community; this includes Chen-Yu Huang, Elzbieta Szmyt, Jan Jennings, Molly Grettenberger, and Stephanie Gustafson. Katelynn is currently furthering her studies at MSU with Cheryl-Losey Feder as her primary educator.