We are raising funds to send undergraduate students to Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton. There they will participate in the unique experience of taking observations, performing data analysis, and unveiling new discoveries about the universe!
In July 2017, the UCSC Transients Team was the first to observe the light emitted by the merging of two massive compact objects forming a black hole—the breakthrough scientific discovery of 2017! Since then, our team has run a highly successful undergraduate training program in which students are able to independently take observations on a research-grade telescope.
This opportunity has given our undergraduate team members a comprehensive, early introduction to research. This early exposure has resulted in several astronomy publications by our undergraduates, giving them a significant advantage in pursuit of a career in the sciences—and it's made possible by generous donations from supporters like you!
Every $260 raised will fully fund one undergraduate student to observe on Mt. Hamilton for one night, providing an unforgettable and enriching research experience. By donating today, your support will help grow the incredibly vibrant, inclusive, and trailblazing research culture at UC Santa Cruz!
Student Testimonials
"My experience at Lick Observatory was absolutely surreal. The location of the observatory is breathtaking, but the science that's done at this facility is even more impressive. The on-site astronomers were so helpful and made me feel confident in conducting observations myself. Getting to observe on the Nickel Telescope has completely changed my academic career, and has allowed me opportunities to conduct high-quality research that I couldn't have ever dreamed of!" —Aarna Garg, undergraduate team member
"Working with the UCSC Transients Team has certainly been one of the best experiences, if not the best, that I've had in my undergraduate career. Since joining the team halfway through my second year, I've had the opportunity to observe several times on the Nickel Telescope at UCO Lick Observatory, as well as to actively participate in (and even do my own) research! Working in this team has also been immensely helpful for my graduate school applications and general competency as a researcher. Because of observing and my research, I'm now well versed in high-level cosmological vocabulary and concepts, making me a better science communicator due to the frequent meetings, and a better programmer altogether." —Connor Dickinson, former undergraduate team member
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