How creative. Weaving something into a fictional story that has its origins in scientific work. I like the way you approached this.

I have started to find Arik Kershenbaum on yt and listen to a dialogue but have not gotten far, so far (will finish it another time).

The interesting question about whether aliens are more like us than different from us humans is an open question that is great to speculate about since you can't prove anything. The physical laws are tempting, I would like to ask, nevertheless, whether they are really the same everywhere in the universe. Also a question which cannot be answered. You should, if you feel like it, definitely read Rupert Sheldrake on this and listen to his lectures on this very subject. He challenges some of the basics that are recognized as certain and fascinates me for that reason alone.

I would venture that differences in culture and physical appearance already found in humans led to such disturbing events that I would probably hold it like the Vulcans: The readiness to meet strangers shows in the same on one's own ground. Where people butt heads because of their differences existing in their own species, an encounter of a third kind is rather inadvisable.

I think your story is great and eloquently and coherently told. It is very tempting to get into the character of the scientist and break the rules. She risked something and even if she is punished for it, it was worth it, I think :)