Under the Dome
Branched Oak Observatory is supported by science education professionals and astronomy enthusiasts who give of their valuable time and expertise to the growing facility. Our goal is simple: to share the wonders of the night sky with Eastern Nebraska. If you would like to become a member of the team, please click the "Get Involved" link below.
Michael Sibbernsen
CEO / Lead Educator
Michael is a Lecturer of Astronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador for the state of Nebraska.
Matthew Anderson
Matthew Anderson is the owner of Anderson Custom Embroidery and a former Facility Manager at a major air and space museum.
C00 / Grounds Manager
Kendra Sibbernsen
CFO / Education Ambassador
Kendra is an Astronomy and Physics instructor at Metropolitan Commnunity College in Omaha and is a member of the Center for Astronomy & Physics Education Research team.
Amelia Tangeman
Observatory Associate
Amelia is the STEM Education Outreach Coordinator for the University of NE at Omaha, a NASA Solar System Amb., NASA MAVEN Educator Amb., and a NASA Heliophysics Educator Amb.
Observatory Associate
Brian Sivill
Brian is a former President of the Prairie Astronomy Club, a board member and supervisor of Lincoln's Hyde Observatory, and a life-time board member of the Nebraska Star Party, Inc.
Brett Boller
Observatory Associate
Brett is the current Vice President of the Prairie Astronomy Club and on the planning committee for the Nebraska Star Party. Brett is a Radiology Tech. for Friend Community Healthcare System.
Doug Buhrman
Facility Development
Doug has been interested in space since just before July 20th, 1969. Up to now his star gazing has been limited to binoculars but would like to learn more about telescopes and astronomy.
Jeff Guettler
Observatory Associate
Jeff is an avid astronomer and a member of the Omaha Astronomical Society. He is the Claims Assistant for the Department of Veterans Affairs and a retired Member of the U.S. Air Force.
Jason Mulek
Observatory Associate
Jason Mulek is the National Sales Manager at Celestron. An avid astronomy enthusiast, Jason lives in Omaha and has been in the industry of telescopes and astronomy for over 20 years.
Bryan Schaaf
Observatory Associate
Bryan became interested in astronomy at the age of ten and acquired his first telescope two years later. He is a co-founder of the Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomers' League (Topeka, KS).
Meghan Guettler
Observatory Associate
Meghan may be new to astronomy, but she really enjoys sharing the wonders of the night sky with her dad and guests of the observatory. She works at the Country Cooking Restaurant in Beatrice.
You?
Observatory Associate
Branched Oak Observatory is looking for volunteers that are willing to not just help during star parties, but to get their hands dirty with occasional construction and maintenance.