Astrophysicist defies odds with Sports Illustrated feature after double mastectomy.

Astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry Nance, who underwent a preventive double mastectomy at 26, has posed for Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue to challenge stereotypes about female scientists and promote body positivity. Nance, who is completing her Ph.D. in astrophysics, said there are not enough women in astronomy and physics, particularly women of color, and that she had to push past implicit and explicit messages that she did not belong. She hopes to inspire young women to pursue scientific fields and has become an advocate for women's health.