Matt Benjamin

I graduated CU with a degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics in 2005 and spent over 10 years managing CUs Fiske Planetarium. In that time I worked for a few NASA missions and led Fiske through its $3.5 million dollar digital renovation. I serve on the Board of Directors of four non-profit organizations, Growe Foundation, Boulder Open Space Conservancy, Open Boulder and the Idaho Conservation League. I ran for Boulder City Council in 2017 and in 2020 I was the campaign chair for the Boulder ballot measure “Our Mayor-Our Choice” to allow Boulder to elect its mayor using Ranked Choice Voting. At present I am a science education consultant and professional photographer.

My advice to students...

Chase what you love and don't be afraid to jump into a new lane. I started at CU pursuing a business degree. I took an astronomy class because I found it interested and within 2 semesters, I left the Business School and changed my degree to Astronomy/Astrophysics. Early career advice I received that I wish to pass on is learning to say "no". It is easy to want to please everyone and keep as many doors open as possible as a young professional. But often it helps to stay focused and say no to things. Which dovetails to my next two little nuggets of advice. "Less is More" Better to do a few things great than a bunch of things in mediocrity. And lastly "Don't let perfection be the enemy of the good".