Applications for the 2020 Hessberg Award are now open!
2020 Hesseberg application
Application deadline extended to Wednesday, due February 26th, 2020
ADVANCED ASTRONOMY CAMP- June 19-26, 2020
Astronomy Camp students at Mt. Lemmon, AZ
The purpose of the Hessberg Award is to provide an opportunity for high school sophomores or juniors in the Capital District of New York to participate in a week-long research experience in astronomy at the Advanced Astronomy Camp in Tucson, Arizona.
Students are housed in the astronomers’ dormitories on Kitt Peak, near Tucson, and work with a variety of telescopes there. They participate in various hands-on astronomical projects under the general supervision of astronomer Dr. Donald W. McCarthy, Jr. and his colleagues from Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. In addition, campers will attend lectures by local and visiting astronomers on current astronomical research. This award will pay all registration and travel.
Funding for this award is through a collaboration between the Dudley Observatory and University of Arizona Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory.
For more information about the program, check out: www.astronomycamp.org
“Astronomy camp was an experience like none other; I’ll never forget the extra-dark night sky visible from the mountain and the memories I made there. From noon to sunset, I got to expand my mind with hands on experiments and projects, ranging from the properties of liquid nitrogen to potential life on Mars. From sunset to sunrise, I got to use professional observatories to conduct real research that was personalized and exciting, and learned how to navigate the night sky like a seasoned pro. All the while, I worked with councilors who have personally impacted the scientific community, and made lasting connections with fellow campers from across the nation.” – Sara Eberlin, 2017 Hessberg Award Winner
Qualifications
- Sophomore or Junior in the current academic year
- Attends high school in Albany, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady or Washington Counties
- Must have completed Algebra II, Geometry or the equivalent
Astronomy Camp does not presume, or require, a background in astronomy.
Nomination Procedure
Candidates must apply through their school, rather than by applying directly to the Dudley Observatory. There is no restriction on the number of nominees per high school.
Students and parents should complete the application materials linked above, and contact the school science teacher for a letter of recommendation.
Completed applications must be submitted by the science teacher or principal to the Dudley Observatory via mail or email.
Each nominee must submit:
- A completed copy of the Hessberg Astronomy Award Application.
- An essay of 1200-1500 words on an astronomy topic (see application)
- A confidential letter of recommendation from a science or math teacher.
Past Hessberg Scholarship Winners
| Year | Name | High School |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Maeve Owens | Voorheesville High School |
| 2018 | Marguerite Gilman | Emma Willard |
| 2017 | Sara Eberlin | Saratoga Springs High School |
| 2015 | Katya Leidig | Saratoga Springs High School |
| 2013 | Isza Ceesay | Troy High School |
| 2012 | Hannah Peltz Smalley | Doane Stuart |
| 2011 | Samantha Scibelli | Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School |
| 2010 | Craig Maughan | Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School |
| 2009 | Brennen O’Donnell | Hoosick Falls HS |
| 2008 | Dan Mancuso | Scotia-Glenville High School |
| 2007 | Michael Ormsbee | Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Senior High |
| 2006 | Rebekah Sokol | Albany Academy for Girls |
| 2004 | John Qi | Shaker High School |
| 2003 | Katherine Hartman | Guilderland High School |
| 2003 | Danielle McMullen | Broadalbin-Perth High School |
| 2002 | Annie Barney | Academy of the Holy Names |
| 2002 | Caroline Feinberg | Albany Academy for Girls |
| 2001 | Uyanga Chuluunbaatar | Rensselaer High School |
| 2001 | Elise Stefanik | Albany Academy for Girls |
| 2000 | Ben Herbert | Saratoga Springs Senior High School |
| 1999 | J. Cramer Silkworth | Maple Hill High School |
| 1999 | Tyler Callahan | Hoosick Falls Central School |
| 1998 | Molly E. Harro | Schuylerville Central School |
| 1998 | Timothy Mosca | Shaker High School |
| 1997 | Casey Kirkpatrick | Johnstown High School |
| 1997 | Kirstin Milks | Shaker High School |
| 1996 | Annette Grajny | Bethlehem High School |
| 1996 | Daniel Murphy | Christian Brothers Academy |
| 1995 | Elizabeth Waterhouse | Shaker High School |