Michael Sibbernsen

In Film and TV: Michael Sibbernsen (aka Michael Starr) is a professional Magician, Mentalist, and Science Entertainer / Demonstrator from Omaha, Nebraska. His magical creations have appeared on both local and national television, performed by himself and other well-known entertainers in the field (under an NDA). Michael has made a number of appearances on the local (Omaha, NE) Morning Blend television program demonstrating and describing various science concepts. In 1995, Michael was a background actor in the Jason Robards, Neil Patrick Harris, movie "My Antonia." In the Education Field: Michael Sibbernsen is a Lecturer of Astronomy at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, co-founder and CEO of Branched Oak Observatory, and a NASA Solar System Ambassador for the state of Nebraska. Working in an ad-hoc capacity, Michael and his wife Kendra facilitate the NASA Nebraska High Altitude Ballooning (N-NHAB) Program launching scientific payloads into near-space. Before working at the university, Michael was the Science & Technology Coordinator for the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, and before that, the Outreach Coordinator for the NASA Nebraska Space Grant. Michael has traveled throughout the state delivering hundreds of hands-on science & astronomy demonstrations and workshops for teachers and students under the auspices of NASA, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and the Nebraska Department of Education. In September of 2017, the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science awarded Michael their "Catalyst Award," the organization's highest honor in recognition of significant contributions to science and science education in the state of Nebraska. . In February of 2018, Michael received the "Friend of Science Award" from the Nebraska Academy of Sciences for his extensive education outreach and promotion of science throughout the Nebraska. Michael lives with his wife, Dr. Kendra Sibbernsen and identical twin sons, Matthew and Lucas.