Get To Know
Cheyenne Polius
Cheyenne’s journey embodies resilience, vision and the power of thinking beyond borders. Born and raised in Saint Lucia, Cheyenne describes herself as a “small island girl with big dreams”. With no roadmap, she researched universities, applications and visas herself, ultimately earning an integrated Master’s degree in Physics and Astrophysics from the University of Sheffield.
Cheyenne excelled academically, publishing two research papers in peer-reviewed astrophysics journals and building a strong foundation as a scientist. But her passion extended far beyond academia. Throughout her studies, she stood out as a science communicator and STEM diversity advocate. As the only Black woman in her physics cohort, she was determined to make others feel that physics and astronomy were spaces where they belonged. She dedicated herself to outreach, mentoring and inspiring students to think beyond the boundaries of their environment. This commitment led her to found the first astronomy organisation in Saint Lucia while still a university student in 2018. This grassroots initiative is what has evolved into LUNAA Journeys.
After graduating, Cheyenne applied her analytical skills to the FinTech sector, securing a role at one of the world’s top firms before joining a thriving start-up. Despite her success in both research and industry, she made a deliberate choice to build her career around inspiring the next generation, bridging worlds between science, education and community impact. Her astronomy education initiatives have received international support, including funding from the International Astronomical Union to fund the Caribbean’s first Stargazing Training Programme.
She has spoken on global stages such as the IAU General Assembly in South Africa and European Astronomical Society meetings, amplifying her mission to show big dreamers that if she could achieve her dreams, they could too.
Today, Cheyenne leads LUNAA Journeys in pioneering efforts to bridge the gap between the Caribbean and the global space sector through astronomy education and astrotourism. She challenges individuals and organisations to think outside the box, break through perceived limitations and design a future where anything feels possible. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets determination.