Nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, atop a dormant volcano on Hawaii's Big Island, some of the world's most advanced telescopes are helping scientists unlock the mysteries of the universe. It's an extraordinary place to begin a career, and thanks to the generosity of a Carroll College alumnus and his family, it's an opportunity available to Carroll students and graduates.
Through the connections and support of Roy F. Simperman ’62, Carroll College established a unique partnership with the world-renowned W. M. Keck Observatory, giving students in mathematics, computer science, and data science access to professional experiences typically associated with major research universities. Today, that partnership continues through the generosity of the Simperman-Corette Foundation.
Carroll is one of only a handful of undergraduate institutions worldwide with a partnership with the Keck Observatory, home to two of the world's largest and most scientifically productive optical and infrared telescopes. Located atop Mauna Kea, the observatory provides an extraordinary setting for scientific research and discovery.
Through this partnership, Carroll students and graduates work alongside professionals at one of the world's leading astronomical research facilities, applying their technical skills to real-world scientific challenges while gaining experience that can help shape their future careers.
Originally envisioned as a 10-month fellowship, the program has grown through the continued support of the Simperman-Corette Foundation, which recently increased its annual funding to $130,000 to provide a full-year experience, including a $5,000 stipend for moving expenses. This year's fellow, Molly O'Connor ’26, will be the first to benefit from the expanded 12-month fellowship, providing additional time to gain valuable research and professional experience at the Keck Observatory.
Since 2019, seven Carroll students and graduates have participated in the fellowship, with many going on to careers in data science, technology, and finance. Terry Cox ‘19 is now a senior data scientist at The Aerospace Corporation, Reina Ishibashi ’20 has worked for Microsoft and is now with Amazon, and Cole Odegard ’25, who completed the fellowship during a gap year from Carroll in 2023–24, now works as a data analyst. In addition, Keaton Blair ‘21 was the first Carroll student to graduate with double majors in Engineering Science and Computer Science. Hank Rugg ‘24 is pursuing a master's degree in Quantitative Finance at Fordham University, while Andrew Denegar ’25 is employed by D.A. Davidson as an Operations Associate in Dividends and Reorg. This year's fellow, Molly O'Connor ’26 graduated from Carroll this spring with degrees in Computer Science and Data Science.
These varied career paths demonstrate how the fellowship provides a foundation for professional opportunities across industries, from aerospace and technology to finance and research.
The Keck Observatory partnership is just one example of the Simperman and Corette family's longstanding commitment to Carroll College. Over the years, the Simperman-Corette Foundation has supported scholarships, fellowships, campus facilities, safety and security improvements, and other initiatives that benefit Carroll students.
The partnership illustrates how personal connections and strategic investments can build on Carroll’s academic strengths and expand opportunities for students. Through the continued generosity of the Simperman-Corette Foundation, Carroll graduates gain access to world-class research facilities, professional mentorship, and hands-on experience that builds on their education and prepares them for future careers.
"At work, I was able to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in astronomy from all over the world, all of us working to enhance the W. M. Keck Observatory's operations. After all of the lava rock hikes, Mauna Kea sunsets, and open ocean swims, I can say that this experience was one of the most transformative of my college career. Mahalo Nui Loa to Carroll and the Keck Observatory!" ~ Cole Odegard '25
