Under The Domes
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 our volunteer team, please check out our Get Involved page!
Executive Directors
Matthew Anderson
Co-Founder of Branched Oak Observatory
Stewardship Director, Child Evangelism Fellowship of Nebraska.
Section Manager ARRL Nebraska.
Former Facility Manager Strategic Air Command Museum.
Michael Sibbernsen
Co-Founder of Branched Oak Observatory
Director of Higher Education Programming
Michael is a Professor of Astronomy, former Lecturer of Astronomy & Physics with UNL, a museum educator, and a planetarium director. He is currently a NASA / JPL Solar System Ambassador for Nebraska.
Board Of Directors
Holly Hladik
President
Holly works in the field of Special Education for Lincoln Public Schools and is the Market Manager at Sunday Farmers’ Market at College View.
Carol Wells
Director of Education
Carol is an Information Developer at ACI Worldwide, Inc., writing manuals for banking software. As a member of the Prairie Astronomy Club and a former volunteer at Hyde Memorial Observatory, she was delighted to discover Branched Oak Observatory several years ago and has been volunteering ever since.
Erik Hubl
Erik is a retired GIS Manager for Lancaster County, former Chairman of the Board for Hyde Memorial Observatory, and founding member of the Nebraska Star Party. He also served on the Mayor’s Light Pollution Taskforce and has been studying astronomy ever since his youth in Red Cloud, NE.
Brett Boller
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.
Advisory Committee
Lisa Workman
Director- Mortgage Lending Operations at Security First Bank/Board Chair
Lisa Workman has been in mortgage lending for over 25 years and is passionate about the world of finance. The mortgage industry can be very challenging and Lisa has the dedication and critical eye for detail necessary to stay informed with the ever-changing rules and regulations.
Steve Ducharme
Professor – Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Steve Ducharme is a scientist, scholar, educator, and science advocate committed to improving the human condition through applied research and educating future generations of scientists. He teaches physics, optics, and astronomy, while advancing evidence-based approaches to science education.
Lisa Workman
Executive Director – Space, Cyber, Telecommunications Law Program – UNL
Executive Director – Nebraska Governance and Technology Center – UNL
An attorney, researcher, and academic leader, Elsbeth Magilton speaks internationally on space law, science fiction as a learning tool, and representation in technology.
Elsbeth is a member of the American Society of International Law and served as the Co-Chair for the Space Law Interest Group. In 2018, Elsbeth received a NASA Space Law pilot-program grant to create a nationwide network of students, faculty, and practitioners interested in space law and policy. Elsbeth is part of the U.S. State Department Speaker’s Program under the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and sits on the editorial board for the U.S. Air Force Academy Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies Journal. Additionally, Elsbeth serves as the board president for Girls Code Lincoln, a nonprofit organization striving to ignite passion for technology and leadership in 4th-9th grade girls.
Tricia Nangkalaphivath (Nangkal)
Owner – The Hungry Husker Video Productions
Tricia Nangkalaphivath is a multimedia producer driven by creativity and a passion for new projects. Whether producing, writing, directing, filming, or appearing on camera, she brings determination, professionalism, and a strong work ethic to every endeavor.
This determination led her to complete her first master’s degree within one year, graduate Summa Cum Laude and earn a highly accomplished career in the field of education as a Dean of Students for Johns Hopkins University.
A respected tech entrepreneur and an advocate for higher education, she lives by her motto, “If you don’t know how to do something, find a way to learn how!” This ambition led her to complete her second master’s degree in Professional Journalism and Mass Communications and has built an extensive portfolio in television, film, radio, and new media productions.
When not working on a project, Tricia can be found zipping around a racetrack as she is an avid race car enthusiast. When not on the track, Tricia is more than likely catching some rays on a beach, having fun in a Zumba class, or enjoying some carne asada tacos.
Jeff Maul
Executive Director – Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau
Vice President – Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
For 20 years Jeff Maul has advocated for and has been a part of, an amazing community that has built Lincoln to be one of the Midwest’s most beloved destinations.
Alongside his sales and support team at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, he enjoys working with new clients across the country and bringing them to Lincoln to host their events. In addition, Jeff builds awareness in the local community of Lincoln’s many great attractions via social media, the bureau’s website and his weekly appearances on local radio and television. Jeff looks forward to helping promote Branched Oak Observatory and its programming.
