HI STAR is a summer astronomy program on Maui that is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The program is run by the University of Hawai’i Institute for Astronomy and enrolls local students in grades 8 - 12. The students use the Las Cumbres Observatory telescope on Maui for their observations, LCO has been a partner to the program since its beginning.
The Director of the program Dr. JD Armstrong says, “This program introduces students from Hawaiʻi to the basic practices of science. Learning to think critically, using the scientific method, is extremely important to every young person in this day and age.”
Since its original class in 2005 of 12 students, the program now enrolls 12-14 students per session. Over the years, more than 100 students have completed HI STAR. Alumni of the program have gone on to publish their work in journals and give presentations at scientific conferences. Many of the students have majored in science and STEM fields in college and have gone on to impactful careers in their fields. One student wrote and published a book on astronomy for elementary school students.
Looking back over the years, Dr. Armstrong is proud of what his students have accomplished and is looking forward to the continued success of HI STAR. “I have been told that I have inspired so many students, but really it is the students who inspire me,” Dr Armstrong said. “Thinking back, I am proud of all the students and the growth they have earned in the HI STAR program.”
Las Cumbres Observatory congratulates Dr. Armstrong and the HI STAR team on this important anniversary and all of their achievements.
