In astronomy, it feels as if we can say every year that we are looking forward to something new that will change our view of the universe. A few years ago, it was the James Webb Space Telescope. This coming year, it is likely to be the Vera Rubin Observatory and its deep survey of the sky.
In the Department of Astronomy at San Diego State University, we strive to help our students reach a place where they can do more than just appreciate the universe—they can answer new questions about it with this new data.
Our students feel the impact of philanthropy on our department every year, and it makes it so much easier to pursue their scientifc passions. All of us are exceedingly grateful for that support. But beyond that, we want you to remember your connection to us by sharing your stories and experiences with students. It is all the more important now to remember our common love of science.
With gratitude,
Eric Sandquist, Ph.D. Department Chair Professor of Astronomy College of Sciences
Thriving in the Aztec Experience
Nissia Indradjaja, Class of 2025
Class Level: Master's Candidate
College: College of Sciences
Major: Astronomy
Master’s student Nissia Indradjaja presented her research at the 245th American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting, held in National Harbor, Maryland, in January 2025.
The Chambliss Student Poster Competition, known for its rigorous two-stage judging process, celebrates exemplary contributions by students in the feld of astronomy. This recognition places her among an elite group of students nationwide who have been honored for their groundbreaking work. The AAS announced the winners on its website, expressing excitement about the success of this year’s competition.
The Department of Astronomy and the College of Sciences are incredibly proud of Nissia’s award and look forward to seeing her continued success in the feld of astronomy. Her achievement is a testament to the vibrant research culture at SDSU and the dedication of our students and faculty.
SDSU’s Nissia Indradjaja earned top honors at the AAS Chambliss Student Poster Competition, showcasing groundbreaking astronomy research on a national stage.
Celebrating Shared Success
Statistics of Interest
Over 90 undergraduate and graduate students were enrolled in the Department of Astronomy in Spring 2025 (SDSU Analytic Studies & Institutional Research).
Fifteen degrees were awarded in 2023–2024 (SDSU Analytic Studies & Institutional Research).
Recent Highlights
San Diego State University is the only institution in the California State University system that ofers an independent bachelor’s degree in astronomy.
Students in the undergraduate and master’s degree programs actively learn to collect astronomical observations and conduct scientifc research.
Less than an hour from downtown San Diego, nestled in the mountains of the Cleveland National Forest, lies Mount Laguna Observatory, operated by the SDSU Department of Astronomy. With a high percentage of clear nights and protection from the urban lighting of San Diego, this is one of the best overall observatory sites in the continental United States.
This year, NBC 7 showcases how our master’s students use Mount Laguna Observatory to uncover the universe’s secrets. This news clip highlights several of our astronomy master’s students who use the 40-inch telescope at San Diego State University’s Mount Laguna Observatory (MLO) to fnd out more about our universe. Under the guidance of Professor Robert Quimby, students remotely operate the meter-wide telescope, examining supernovae to fnd out more about the origins of the universe.
Enrollment & Degrees
Over 90 undergraduate and graduate students were enrolled in SDSU’s Department of Astronomy in Spring 2025, and 15 degrees were awarded in 2023–2024.
SDSU is the only CSU campus with a standalone astronomy degree—and students explore the universe using Mount Laguna Observatory’s powerful 40-inch telescope.
Faculty Achievements
Jerome Orosz, Ph.D.
Title: Undergraduate and Graduate Advisor, Professor of Astronomy College: College of Sciences
Achievement: Dr. Jerome Orosz was recognized as the Most Outstanding Faculty Member for academic year 2024-2025 in the Department of Astronomy.
His peers shared:
“Jerry has been a rock in contributing his service to the department and to the university—most notably as undergraduate advisor, senator, and soon as the new department chair. In the last year, his empathy has been on full display, and has helped the department maintain its cohesion in the face of many challenges. On top of all of this, he maintains an exciting and attention-grabbing research program on planets orbiting pairs of stars.”
Dennis Pornan
Title: Department Coordinator College: College of Sciences
Achievement: Dennis Pornan was recognized as the Most Outstanding Staf Member for academic year 2024-2025 in the Department of Astronomy.
Peers in the department shared:
“Dennis has been an especially big help this year, tackling room renovations and ofce moves on top of managing supplies for two departments. He has always been willing to go out of his way to help keep the buildings and the department running smoothly.”
