Vianne Stanford
Physics
Grad: May 2027
Outreach Team Member
Why did you join the UMBC Observatory Group?
“I joined the observatory to get hands on experience working with and operating a telescope. My favorite thing about working with the observatory is the ability to talk to other people about space and everything related to it.”
Bhanu Sharma
Cybersecurity
Grad: May 2025
Outreach Team Member
Why did you join the UMBC Observatory Group?
“I joined the UMBC Observatory Group to reconnect with my passion for science and space. It’s a step in the right direction toward my goal of being a lifelong student, constantly learning and exploring.”
What was the coolest thing you learned by working at the Observatory?
“Light from distant stars might be carrying a cosmic fingerprint, twisting through chiral molecules to create a polarization signature that could reveal life on far-off planets!”
Brayden Rosling
Computer Science
Grad: Dec 2025
Telescope Operator Coordinator
Why did you join the UMBC Observatory Group?
“My needy cat’s mounting vet bills and prescription food costs really put a strain on my finances, pushing me to find a job. Since I live near campus, the UMBC Observatory seemed like a convenient place to look for work that could help me cover those expenses. Ultimately, my dedication to giving my furry companion the best care was the driving force behind me getting a job there.”