SDSU Training Astronomy Research Scholars (STARS) is a four-week summer research program hosted by San Diego State University for high school juniors, seniors, and community college students passionate about astronomy. The program combines hands-on instruction in Python programming, astronomy fundamentals, and data analysis during the first two weeks, followed by original small-group research projects using real galaxy data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Students leave the program having conducted genuine university-level astronomical research alongside SDSU faculty and researchers. STARS is a rare opportunity for young scientists to experience what a career in astronomy truly looks like.
Writing code to build software, automate tasks, or bring an idea to life on a screen.
Designing studies, testing hypotheses, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Making sense of numbers and datasets to find patterns, test ideas, and support decisions.
Evaluating information carefully before drawing a conclusion or making a decision.
Breaking down a challenge and working through it methodically to a solution.
Students conduct hands-on astronomy research with faculty, use professional telescopes, and investigate galaxy formation—core astronomer activities.
Students manipulate and analyze galaxy data from SDSS-IV using Python programming and data analysis tools to answer research questions.
Interactive Python programming instruction and use of Marvin software to process large datasets mirrors software engineering problem-solving.
Students work with faculty mentors on original research projects, presenting findings—a direct introduction to academic research careers.
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