Maryam Modjaz

Do you have a favorite science fact or space mystery that always amazes you?

I was always fascinated by the fact that we are made from stars – exploding dying stars to be exact. While the death of a star is a sad moment for the star, it is the moment of birth of almost all elements heavier than iron. Through stellar explosions, all elements necessary for human life are released – the oxygen for our lungs, calcium in our bones, and iron in our blood.

If you could travel anywhere in the universe (real or imagined), where would you go and why?

I would fly to Nabu, the planet in Star wars, where Padme lives - it looks very beautiful and like a 2nd earth.

What is your go-to comfort food or favorite Cville restaurant?

I love Cake Bloom on West Main – their cakes are to die for, and the interior is beautiful.