Dr. Iya Whiteley is a scientist and cognitive psychologist with expertise in human spaceflight, astronaut training, and the psychological effects of long-duration missions. Her work explores how human beings might interact with extraterrestrial intelligences, particularly in the context of space exploration and contact scenarios. She has conducted research on human performance, adaptability, and the mental resilience needed for deep-space travel, making her one of the few experts who study the psychological implications of potential extraterrestrial encounters from an astronautics perspective.

Whiteley’s research also delves into how humans might prepare for interstellar communication, examining the cognitive and emotional factors involved in interpreting and responding to non-human intelligences. She has worked with space agencies and aerospace organizations to develop strategies for improving astronaut well-being, particularly in isolation and extreme environments. Her work provides valuable insights into how humans might psychologically process first contact with extraterrestrial life, offering a unique, scientific approach to the study of UFO-related phenomena.