Skip Navigation

UW alumnus develops astronomy outreach program for underserved students: Keivan Stassun

Graduating with a doctorate in astronomy from UW–Madison in 2000, Keivan Stassun has built a career dedicated to advancing our understanding of the cosmos through research, teaching, and outreach. He is now a professor at Vanderbilt University and is an adjunct instructor at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Stassun’s current research focuses on the processes that lead to the birth and evolution of stars in different planetary systems.

During his time at UW-Madison, he became passionate about public outreach and minority representation in the sciences. Starting in 1998, Stassun developed an astronomy outreach program called Scopes for Schools, which is a low-cost, field tested model for astronomers to conduct outreach aimed at minority and other underserved students, with an emphasis on curriculum development and on professional development for teachers.

More Alumni Notes

UW–Madison alumni Steve Katz ’76, MA’77 and Donna Webber MA’76, MA’77 were featured guests on the national podcast Pizza Quest, airing on September 28, 2025, hosted by bread-baking expert and author Peter Reinhart to discuss the cultural and culin...

Visiting Alumni Park has become a tradition for many Badgers. Now, in anticipation of the park’s 10th anniversary in 2027, we want to hear about your favorite UW traditions. Share your tradition.