Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center (CCSSC) has been awarded a $300,000 NASA grant to expand hands-on undergraduate research opportunities through its WestRock Observatory. The grant will fund major equipment upgrades and support student-driven investigations into some of the most compelling mysteries of the universe—including black holes and asteroid tracking.

The two-year grant proposal, titled “Initiation of Professional Research with Undergraduates Using CSU’s WestRock Observatory,” was selected through NASA’s competitive ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science) program. It aims to position undergraduate students at the forefront of cutting-edge astronomical research by involving them directly in the operation and data analysis of CSU’s on-campus observatory.

“The power of this grant isn’t just in the hardware it provides—it’s in the opportunity,” said Dr. Rosa Williams, a professor of astronomy in the Department of Earth & Space Sciences and the center’s observatory director. “When students operate a professional-grade telescope, gather and analyze their own data, and contribute to published discoveries, they begin to see themselves not just as learners, but as scientists. That confidence and capability can shape a lifetime.”

The funded initiative focuses on two key projects that will immerse undergraduates in original research.

The first, “Monitoring Blazar Optical Variability,” will allow students to investigate blazars—supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies that emit powerful jets of energy. Using CSU’s upgraded observatory equipment, students will track changes in light and color from these distant, energetic sources. Their work will help scientists understand the mechanisms that trigger blazar activity and transitions between different energy states, offering valuable insights into extreme astrophysical processes.

The second project, “Asteroid Tracking,” directly supports planetary defense efforts. Students will observe Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), with a special focus on “potentially hazardous asteroids,” collecting and analyzing optical data to refine orbital models. These observations will improve predictions of asteroid paths and assess potential risks to Earth. Importantly, students contributing to new asteroid orbit determinations will be recognized as co-authors in publications from the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center—giving them an early entry into the scientific community.Beyond the two primary research initiatives, the NASA grant will also support:

• Significant upgrades to the WestRock Observatory, including a new telescope mount, camera system, and dome repairs.
• Research internships for undergraduate students during the academic year and summer, along with limited faculty and staff support.
• Software development to enhance data collection and analysis, making the observatory a modern and efficient research facility.

“This grant is wonderful validation of the research and experiences we provide through the Coca-Cola Space Science Center,” said its executive director, Dr. Shawn Cruzen, also a professor in the Department of Earth & Space Sciences. “It allows our students to not just study science, but to do science—contributing meaningful data to the global astronomy community, engaging with NASA-level research and personnel, and gaining the kind of experience that launches careers.”

According to the proposal team, CSU’s faculty and staff have a strong record of involving students in research, as evidenced by two of the project’s co-investigators: Dr. John Hood and Dr. Andrew Puckett. Hood is a 2014 Columbus State alumnus who, after graduating with a B.S. in Earth & Space Science-Astrophysics, earned his doctorate at Vanderbilt University and is now doing postdoctoral work at the University of Chicago. During his studies, he has become a leading researcher on the properties of blazars. Puckett is a professor of physics and astronomy in the Department of Earth & Space Sciences and will lead the project on asteroid research. It is through his previous asteroid research with students that the WestRock Observatory gained official recognition by the Minor Planet Center, assigned the observatory code of W22.

In addition to blazar and asteroid research, the upgraded observatory will be used in the future for projects such as space situational awareness (satellite tracking), monitoring variable stars, and detecting exoplanet transits—ensuring long-term value for the university and continued opportunities for student exploration and discovery.

Columbus State’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a leading center for science education and public outreach in Georgia. It houses the university’s astronomy programs, planetarium, and WestRock Observatory, offering students and the community access to immersive space science experiences. All the upgrades can easily go with the telescope when the Coca-Cola Space Science Center moves to Columbus State's Main Campus in the coming years.