Astrophysics is not a field for the faint of heart, and neither is the journey to becoming an expert in this highly specialized area. Yet, despite the challenges, Lance J. W. Kosca has embraced this path, turning his passion for discovery and innovation into a thriving career. He is currently working as a research assistant and astrophysicist at Khalifa University in the UAE.
“I became a UAE kid after following my father here in 2007, when I was only 8 years old,” Lance shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
Growing up in the UAE while maintaining strong ties to his Filipino roots shaped his unique worldview.
“My parents never let me forget my Filipino identity: at home, we spoke Tagalog, and we’d go to the Philippines for holidays when we could.”
This duality of experience allowed him to remain connected to his heritage while integrating into a different cultural environment.
Lance’s academic path took him to Ateneo de Manila University, where he pursued a double degree in Physics and Materials Engineering. However, his journey post-graduation was far from linear.
“After graduating in 2022 with a degree in Applied Physics and Materials Science, I embarked on what has been my most challenging journey yet: transitioning from being a fresh graduate to an astrophysicist.”
Despite his impressive academic credentials, Lance faced a barrage of rejections in his early job search.
“I aimed to pursue a career in renewable energy in the Philippines, believing it to be my true calling,” he reflects. But after countless rejected applications, he realized the need to broaden his horizons, eventually finding himself back in the UAE.
The turning point came when he received an email from a professor at Khalifa University, and after a successful interview, Lance landed a coveted position as an astrophysicist.
“I honestly never expected myself to end up becoming an astrophysicist,” he admits. His mentor, Dr. Marko Gacesa, who had previously worked at NASA, played a pivotal role in shaping Lance’s career. “He told me about his ongoing project on researching survival systems and scenarios for Mars, and I was able to connect it to my love for renewable energy.” The opportunity to work on cutting-edge space projects was an unexpected but welcome turn in Lance’s career.
Currently, Lance is involved in several high-profile projects at Khalifa University.
“From what I’m allowed to share, we’re working on what is basically a breathing machine for Mars that is able to use the Martian atmosphere to breathe,” he reveals.
This same technology could also have significant applications on Earth, including decarbonizing the atmosphere. Lance is also taking on leadership roles within the research community.
“Perhaps the biggest, most unexpected experience I’ve had so far is that I was entrusted to become CEO of an upcoming startup,” he says. This early responsibility is both humbling and exciting for the young astrophysicist.
Working alongside Ph.D. holders and UAE nationals on space projects was initially daunting for Lance.
“It was nerve-wracking,” he admits. “But as my mentors gained more confidence in me, I gained more confidence in my abilities.” The pressure of working in the UAE’s top-ranked university alongside people who had worked at NASA or had asteroids named after them was immense. However, Lance quickly adapted and now takes pride in his role, representing the Philippines within this highly talented and diverse team.
“I owe it to the brilliant Filipino minds I’ve met to do well here and make it easier for them to shine in the UAE and in the global academia,” he says with pride.
Despite his early success, Lance remains grounded in the challenges he faces, both professionally and personally.
“Fighting against impostor syndrome telling me that I am out of my league in this job, as well as missing the really close friends and loved ones that I left back in the Philippines, are the biggest challenges,” he shares. Fortunately, he finds comfort in staying connected with his Filipino friends in the UAE, and in the small Filipino community at Khalifa University.
For Lance, the most rewarding part of his job is the trust and responsibility that have been placed in him so early in his career. “As early in my career as now, I’ve been trusted in executive roles in high-impact, and I believe soon-to-be high-profile projects,” he notes. Being put in charge of rebranding the research center he works in and leading a startup are just some of the roles he’s taken on. “It’s a wonderful feeling when your managers recognize your potential,” he says.
Looking ahead, Lance sees his career continuing to grow within the fields of astrophysics and renewable energy. He hopes to make a significant impact on both the UAE’s space initiatives and the global science community, while also bridging the gap between Filipino scientists and opportunities in global academia. He’s also passionate about founding his own renewable energy startup in the Philippines, using his knowledge and skills to directly benefit his home country.
For young aspiring scientists and engineers, Lance’s advice is clear: “Life almost always makes you fail. Be ready to get rejected from the job you really wanted to get, the scholarship you were hoping to be awarded.” His own experience of failing and adapting has taught him the value of perseverance. “You can’t be afraid of getting fired from being a clickbait article writer at 23 if you want to be an astrophysicist and startup CEO at 24,” he says with a laugh. Embracing failure and learning from it has been key to his success, and it’s a lesson he hopes others will take to heart. After all, as he wisely notes, “It is the darkness of outer space that makes its stars shine bright.”