Dr. Harman, originally trained as a civil engineer, transitioned from managing engineering projects to teaching high school science and math, where she developed a passion for engaging science presentations. Now, as the SETI Institute’s Director of Education, she leads educational programs, serves as a Principal and Co-Investigator, and has given hundreds of workshops. She connects undergraduates with mentors at SETI and contributes to SETI's annual awards panels. Passionate about enhancing STEM education, she focuses on creating meaningful learning and career opportunities for future scientists and explorers.

SH Vega, 22 May -2 June, 2025

Lika Guhathakurta has devoted her career to studying the Sun’s mysteries, from chasing solar eclipses to exploring auroras. Known as “The Sheliophysicist,” her journey has paralleled three solar cycles, deepening her connection to our star. Lika investigates how the Sun’s behavior affects Earth, enhancing our understanding of space weather and solar phenomena. Through her website, "The Sheliophysicist," and her talks, she inspires others to explore the Sun’s beauty and impact, encouraging everyone to "look up and find your answers."

SH Vega, 2-13 June, 2025

Derek is the Principal Investigator for the GNU Radio project, leading the development of the world's most widely used open-source tool for radio systems. His research at Carnegie Mellon and Cardiff University involves machine learning and improving the accessibility of cutting-edge engineering to individuals and organizations alike.

SH Diana, 1-13 June, 2025

Dana Backman, originally from Hartford, Conn., earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics from the University of Hawai`i, specializing in star and planet formation. His career includes eight observing trips to Chile and 12 years as a physics and astronomy professor at Franklin & Marshall College. Dana has also taught at Santa Clara University and Stanford. He served as Director of Education and Outreach for NASA's SOFIA mission (2003–2016) and is now Principal Investigator for the NASA Astronomy Activation Ambassadors program at the SETI Institute. He is also the coauthor of five college-level introductory textbooks published by Cengage Learning.

SH Vega, 27 March - 5 April, 2025

Dr. Spitale earned his B.S. in physics from Caltech and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science and Applied Mathematics from the University of Arizona. Specializing in orbital dynamics and icy satellites, he contributed to the Galileo and Cassini missions. Currently, he works with the Ring-Moon Systems node of the Planetary Data System at the SETI Institute, focusing on Saturn’s rings and the ocean-bearing moon Enceladus. As an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona, he has taught courses in Astrobiology, Climate Change, and Field Geology.

SH Vega, 31 July - 10 August, 2025

Dr. Becca Robinson is a Michigan-born Norwegian transplant, now back in the US working at the SETI Institute as the outreach lead for NASA’s Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) mission. She is a Sun scientist, world traveler, rock collector, aurora chaser, and stargazer whose curious mind drives her day-to-day life as well as her research. Her research projects have involved drilling ice cores on Icelandic glaciers, analyzing solar simulations from her couch in Norway, and delivering scientific presentations worldwide from Svalbard to Armenia. 

SH Vega, 10-20 August, 2025

Dr. Pascal Lee, a planetary scientist with the SETI Institute, Mars Institute, and NASA Ames, is also a professor at Kepler Space University. He studied physics at the University of Paris-Sorbonne, earned an M.E. from Polytech-Sorbonne, and completed his MS and PhD at Cornell University as Carl Sagan’s last T.A. His research focuses on the Moon, Mars, and human exploration. He co-discovered Noctis Volcano and a glacier on Mars. Pascal has led over 30 polar expeditions, wintered 402 days in Antarctica, and led the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition, inspiring the award-winning film Passage to Mars.

SH Vega, 14 November - 1 December, 2025