Bringing the Search for Aliens to Community Colleges
The SETI Institute is expanding its search for extraterrestrial intelligence by engaging community college students in hands-on research through its new ARISE Lab initiative.
Funded by the Amateur Radio and Digital Communication Foundation (ARDC), the program introduces students to radio astronomy, digital signal processing, and the search for alien technosignatures, reports The Debrief.
Founded in 1984, SETI has long collaborated with NASA and academic institutions, but ARISE marks a push toward broader public education. “Hands-on experiences are proven to improve student engagement and retention,” said Dr. Vishal Gajjar, the project lead.
“With ARISE, we’re combining cost-effective tools like GNU Radio with one of the most captivating topics in science—the search for life beyond Earth.”
The curriculum gives students access to real-time data from SETI’s Allen Telescope Array, the only radio observatory dedicated to detecting technosignatures—potential markers of advanced alien civilizations.
One example is the search for Dyson spheres, hypothetical megastructures that could harness a star’s energy. While candidates have been observed, none are confirmed.
ARISE blends conceptual learning with practical labs. Modules cover astronomy, signal processing, and data science, while hands-on exercises apply these concepts using real-world data. Last year, a pilot program at Hat Creek Radio Observatory tested the format with citizen scientists before expanding to 15 new labs.
“Whether it’s detecting a signal from a Mars orbiter or analyzing pulsar data, students are gaining real experience with tools used in both professional astronomy and industries,” said Joel Earwicker, the project’s lead research assistant. “It’s about making science feel real, relevant, and achievable.”
To support instructors, ARISE will host two in-person workshops at Hat Creek and provide on-site lab experiences at 10 participating community colleges.
The next workshop runs June 25–27, with applications due by May 13. Travel and lodging support is available. Attendees will tour the observatory, test lab activities, and join live observations.
Additionally, monthly virtual workshops begin June 2, offering updates on new labs and a platform for instructors to share their experiences.
By democratizing access to cutting-edge research, ARISE aims to inspire the next generation of scientists—whether they’re scanning the cosmos for alien signals or pursuing careers in STEM.
