Based at the University of California, Santa Cruz, the Shadow the Scientists (StS) initiative aims to offer immersive virtual learning experiences for students of all ages that spark their interest in STEAM careers and strengthen their foundational skills and knowledge necessary for success in those professions.
We also host sessions open to the public to foster community awareness and appreciation for the vital research happening across STEAM fields.
Our sessions allow participants to engage with university and industry professionals while exploring how STEAM topics relate to real-world issues and community challenges.
Check out our YouTube channel to explore previous sessions.
Python and Research Tutorials
December 9th and 10th | 9 AM–Noon Pacific
Step into the world of coding, astrophysics, and real scientific discovery with PyaR, an interactive Python tutorial built from the actual tools used to study the Andromeda Galaxy! This unique virtual program walks you through six hands-on Jupyter notebooks in real-time based on a 2015 research paper by UC Santa Cruz astronomers Raja GuhaThakurta and Claire Dorman, with contributions from Emily Cunningham and Amanda Quirk.
🌟 What you’ll gain:
- A solid foundation in Python via Jupyter Notebooks
- Insight into how scientific journal articles are built
- Exposure to essential math and data analysis tools
- Behind-the-scenes understanding of how astronomers study galaxies
🌟 Who should join?
Anyone curious about coding, astronomy, or real scientific research, from high school through post-graduate learners. No prior experience needed!
StS terms and conditions of engagement:
Please read the following as it gives some insight into how the evening will be structured.
- Please treat others on the Zoom call with utmost respect at all times. There is a zero tolerance policy for violations. Violators will be removed from the Zoom call and future StS sessions.
- Please keep in mind at all times that the primary purpose of the StS session is for the research team (e.g., team of astronomers) to collect scientific data. Please be respectful of their time and concentration.
- For the adults joining us, please try to have your Zoom name reflect your full name and school/group affiliation [e.g., Raja GuhaThakurta (UCSC)]. For minors, because this event is open to the public, please feel free to use nicknames unless you have permission from parents or guardians to use your full name.
- After joining the Zoom session, you will be muted, but please feel free to type a short introduction about yourself into the chat.
- Until the scientists have some down time and can directly interface with the rest of the group on the Zoom call, please feel free to type questions and comments in the chat. Once the scientists are speaking with the group, please use the “raise hand” feature in Zoom, if youʻd like to speak.
- Please be aware that the StS Zoom call will be recorded, including the chat window, and both may be posted to YouTube in whole or in part for others to view. By joining the Zoom call, you are consenting to being recorded and for the recording to be posted.
- Please be cognizant of your video feed. Because the focus is on the science being done, please feel free to keep your video off during the Zoom call..
- Enjoy!