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Gravitational-Wave Astrophysics for Undergraduates
Learn about "the breakthrough scientific discovery of 2017" made by our team!
Help undergraduates peer into a new window on the Universe!

We are raising funds today to send undergraduates to world-renowned Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton so they can join us at the forefront of astrophysical research. Students will visit this historical facility to take part in observations, data analysis, and unveiling new discoveries about the Universe! 

In July 2017, the UCSC Transients Team was the first to observe the light emitted by the fusion of two massive compact objects forming a black hole — "the breakthrough scientific discovery of 2017!" This search was possible thanks to a collaborative team of postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates under the supervision of Professor Ryan Foley. 

Every $260 raised will fully fund one undergraduate student to observe on Mt. Hamilton for one night, providing an unforgettable and enriching research experience! By donating on Giving Day, your generosity will help grow the amazing inclusive atmosphere at UC Santa Cruz! The sky is NOT the limit!

Find out more about our team and research on our website, or follow us on social media.


"My experience at Lick Observatory was absolutely surreal. The location of the observatory is breathtaking, but the science that's done at this facility is even more impressive. The on-site astronomers were so helpful and made me feel confident in conducting observations myself. Getting to observe on the Nickel telescope has completely changed my academic career, and has allowed me opportunities to conduct high-quality research that I couldn't have ever dreamed of!" - Undergraduate team member Aarna Garg


"Working with the UCSC Transients team has certainly been one of, if not the best, experience I've had in my undergraduate career. Since joining the team halfway through my second year, I have had the opportunity to observe several times on the Nickel Telescope at UCO Lick Observatory as well as actively participate in (and even do my own) research! Working in this team has also been immensely helpful for my graduate school applications and general competency as a researcher. Because of observing and my research, I am now well-versed in high level cosmological vocabulary and concepts, a better science communicator due to the frequent meetings, and a better programmer all together." - Undergraduate team member Connor Dickinson 






Giving Day Projects
All Giving Day Projects
Projects with Matches
The Arts Division
Baskin School of Engineering
The Humanities Division
The Science Division
The Social Sciences Division
Athletics and Recreation
Student Organizations
Campus-wide Programs
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Success!
Social Butterfly
Congratulations to Grupo Folklórico Los Mejicas de UCSC on engaging their community and rallying support for their project!
Completed
Leaderboard
Night Owl
The project with the most individual donors between 12 midnight and 1 am will receive $1,000. 2nd place will receive $500. Generously sponsored by an anonymous donor.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $1,000 Formula Slug 36
2 $500 Pilipino Cultural Celebration 22
3 Tech4Good Student Programs 17
4 Grupo Folklórico Los Mejicas de UCSC 17
5 KZSC Radio 10
Ended
Leaderboard
Morning Mayhem
The project with the most individual donors between 10 and 11 am will receive $1,000. 2nd place will receive $500.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $1,000 Cloud 9 A Cappella 62
2 $500 Women's Lacrosse Team 32
3 Autoslug 32
4 UCSC Slug Rugby 22
5 UCSC Fencing Club 22
Ended
Leaderboard
Happy Hour
The project teams with the most donors between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. will take home extra challenge funds! $1,000 for first place and $500 for second place. Generously sponsored by Professor of Theater Arts Patty Gallagher.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $1,000 Rocket Team at UCSC 51
2 $500 UCSC Surf Club 34
3 STEM Diversity - Plant the Seed for Big Dreamers 21
4 SOL Ultimate Frisbee 18
5 Undergrads Supporting System-Impacted Filmmakers 16
Ended
Leaderboard
Slug Surprise
The project with the most individual donors between 10 and 11 p.m. will receive $1,500, 2nd place will receive $750 and 3rd will receive $500. Generously sponsored by an anonymous donor.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $1,500 Formula Slug 47
2 $750 STEM Diversity - Plant the Seed for Big Dreamers 42
3 $500 UCSC Slug Rugby 32
4 Rocket Team at UCSC 32
5 UCSC Fencing Club 23
Ended
Leaderboard
Indie 100
The project with the most individual donors giving $100 or more will receive $1,000. Second place will receive $500. Generously sponsored by an anonymous donor.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $1,000 UCSC Slug Rugby 129
2 $500 STEM Diversity - Plant the Seed for Big Dreamers 65
3 Alumni Association Scholarship Fund 62
4 UC Santa Cruz NCAA Cross Country and Track & Field 47
5 Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI) 43
Ended
Success!
Best in Show
Congratulations to CENTER FOR AGROECOLOGY: UCSC FARM for their engaging and fun video!
Completed
Leaderboard
Early Riser
The project with the most individual donors between 7 and 8 am will receive $1,000. 2nd place will receive $500. Generously sponsored by an anonymous donor.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $1,000 Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI) 49
2 $500 UCSC Slug Rugby 24
3 Tech4Good Student Programs 23
4 SOL Ultimate Frisbee 12
5 Formula Slug 11
Ended
Leaderboard
Mid-day Motivator
The project with the most individual donors between 12 noon and 2 pm will receive $2,500, second place will receive $1,000 and third place will receive $500. Third place generously sponsored by UC Santa Cruz Foundation Trustees Panda Kroll and Janet Buck.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $2,500 Formula Slug 155
2 $1,000 STEM Diversity - Plant the Seed for Big Dreamers 146
3 $500 UCSC Slug Rugby 99
4 Undergrads Supporting System-Impacted Filmmakers 64
5 Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI) 49
Ended
Leaderboard
Mad Dash
The project with the most individual donors between 6 and 8 pm will receive $2,500, second place will receive $1,000 and third place will receive $500. Generously sponsored by an anonymous donor.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $2,500 Rocket Team at UCSC 213
2 $1,000 STEM Diversity - Plant the Seed for Big Dreamers 203
3 $500 Pilipino Cultural Celebration 97
4 City on a Hill Press 69
5 UCSC Slug Rugby 54
Ended
Leaderboard
Final Frenzy
The project with the most individual donors on Giving Day (12am-12am) will receive $10,000, second place will receive $5,000 and third place will receive $2,000. First place award generously sponsored by the UC Santa Cruz Foundation Board Opportunity Fund.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $10,000 STEM Diversity - Plant the Seed for Big Dreamers 462
2 $5,000 UCSC Slug Rugby 405
3 $2,000 Formula Slug 300
4 Rocket Team at UCSC 289
5 Undergrads Supporting System-Impacted Filmmakers 201
Ended
Leaderboard
Indie 500
The project with the most individual donors giving $500 or more will receive $2,500. 2nd place will receive $1,000.
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $2,500 UCSC Slug Rugby 16
2 $1,000 Okinawa Memories Initiative (OMI) 15
3 Alumni Association Scholarship Fund 13
4 CalTeach Landesman Fund for Math/Science Teachers 13
5 Academic Excellence (ACE) Program 12
Ended
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