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. As a lead scientist at NASA, 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 Vega, 5-14 April, 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

Bill Diamond, a Silicon Valley technology veteran, is President and CEO of the SETI Institute, a nonprofit in Mountain View focused on astrophysics, astrobiology, and the search for life in the universe. With over 30 years’ experience in laser photonics, optical networks, and semiconductor tech, he has held executive roles at companies like Oclaro, Wave Splitter, Denselight, and Xradia (now Zeiss). Diamond holds a B.A. in physics and an MBA from Georgetown, where he was an advisory board member. He also serves on the Board of the Bay Area Science and Innovation Council and is active in several scientific organizations.

SH Vega, 10-20 August, 2025

Dr. Stephen Cramer, an emeritus professor at UC Davis and senior scientist at the SETI Institute, began his career in x-ray research at Stanford’s Synchrotron Radiation Project in 1974. His work focuses on metals in biological processes like nitrogen fixation and hydrogen production, conducting experiments at global synchrotrons and SETI’s high-power laser lab. Since joining the SETI Institute in 2018, his research centers on extremophile proteins and their adaptations to extreme environments. Inspired by science as a child, he recently authored *Wrong! – How Science Has Always Been Wrong But Still Gets Closer to the Truth.*

SH Vega, 30 April - 7 May, 2025