I am a biologist, environmental engineer, analog astronaut 👩🏻‍🚀🚀💫, public health scientist, and licensed non-medical practitioner of psychotherapy (Heilpraktikerin für Psychotherapie). My professional journey has taken me through a wide range of fields – from infection prevention and control, hygiene, and public health services to space exploration, systemic counseling, and therapy.
In my therapeutic work, I focus particularly on consensual non-monogamy, neurodivergence and giftedness, as well as trauma. My approach is grounded in systemic counseling and therapy, EMDR therapy, and trauma-informed counseling.
I also bring these diverse perspectives to my work as an author, lecturer, and speaker. I teach, speak, and write about space exploration and analog Mars missions, health and hygiene, relationships and psychological topics, as well as leadership, teamwork, and human factors. I am particularly fascinated by the connections between subjects that, at first glance, may seem to have little in common.
My own multifaceted, non-linear career path also provides plenty of material for talks and discussions about unconventional career journeys, women in science and technology, and why diverse experiences can be a particular strength in leadership roles.
My debut book, sharing my journey as an analog astronaut, was released on September 25, 2025, by Knesebeck Verlag. I’m proud to be represented by the media agency textbaby.
Anika Mehlis is only allowed to leave the habitat in a spacesuit. In front of her, a volcano rises in the sunlight—but she isn’t on a distant planet; she’s on Earth. As an analog astronaut, she and her team test strategies and technologies for future Mars missions in the deserts of Israel and the mountains of Armenia. She collects rock samples, cultivates plants, and studies what it would take to search the Red Planet for signs of life and answers to humanity’s oldest questions. In this compelling account, she shares insights into the intense training, the extreme conditions of her expeditions, and the latest discoveries in Mars research. Every step she takes brings us a little closer to a future in space.
What exactly do analog astronauts do?
Discover more about this fascinating work, including missions, scientific goals, the people behind it, and the research context on the website of the Austrian Space Forum.
With many years of experience as a lecturer, combined with my work at national and international conferences, interviews, events, and workshops in my role as an analog astronaut, I am a confident and experienced speaker.
As a keynote speaker, I’m available for talks ranging from children’s universities to corporate events, interviews and other occasions. I’m happy to receive speaking requests and kindly ask for several weeks’ notice when possible, as well as a clear proposal regarding fees.
You can also find me listed on the platform “Speakerinnen”, including references and links to talks and interviews.