Carissma McGee, currently a doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is dedicated to bridging the divide between space research and policy. While earning dual master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics and public policy, she identified a persistent gap in space policymaking, where technical expertise is often lacking among policymakers. McGee's work focuses on developing intellectual property frameworks for space collaborations, ensuring that scientific insights are integrated into policy decisions. Her fascination with space began in high school in Delaware and continued through internships at NASA and her studies at Howard University. She has contributed to significant research projects, including work with the Event Horizon Telescope and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. In 2024, she was awarded a MathWorks Fellowship, allowing her to engage with NASA's exoplanet group. McGee has also developed PyLIMASS, a software tool that enhances mass and distance estimates in gravitational microlensing events. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition, including being named Miss Black Massachusetts United States and receiving the MIT MLK Leadership Award. Beyond her research, she actively participates in campus life, teaching Pilates and serving as a graduate resident assistant, fostering a collaborative environment among her peers.