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About our Programs

The department’s leadership-oriented initiatives are designed to prepare the next generation of astronomers, engineers and science professionals not just for research, but also for taking on leadership roles. For graduate students, the Osterbrock Leadership Program (OLP) offers structured training in leadership, communication and project-management skills alongside the usual PhD curriculum, including mentorship and special activities beyond the typical research experience. For early-career undergraduates (especially from two-year or under-represented institutions), the LAMAT Institute provides an intensive summer research experience, boot camps and mentoring to help improve retention and success in STEM fields.

Alongside leadership training, the department actively engages communities and incoming students through multiple outreach and education programs. These include the Science Internship Program (SIP) for high-school students to engage in real research projects under mentorship, the Shadow the Scientist initiative which offers virtual access to observational astronomy for students who might not otherwise visit an observatory, and local community events such as La Noche de las Estrellas which gives Spanish-speaking students and families the chance to visit the Lick Observatory and explore astronomy in an inclusive setting.