Meet Martin Curic: SFU Graduate Bridging Astronomy with Computing

Not many people get the chance to bring together their passions from different worlds and turn them into something truly meaningful, but Martin Curic may be one of the fortunate few. Growing up, Martin was always fascinated by astronomy, though he never imagined he could find a space that nurtured both his love for the night sky and his skills in coding.

That all changed the night he attended the SFU Starry Nights and looked through the Trottier Observatory’s telescope for the first time. It was a turning point—one that inspired him to chart his own unique path at SFU.

While the night sky might seem still and distant to the untrained eye, Martin has a way of bringing it to life and sharing its wonder with others. That passion led him to play a pivotal role in reviving the SFU Astronomy Club, which had been inactive before he started his studies at SFU. In 2022, as club president, he rebuilt it from the ground up and moved on to live on the SFU Burnaby campus to host late-night observation sessions and volunteer regularly at Starry Nights.

Since then, the club has grown into a thriving community with hundreds of registered members. Martin and his team have spent countless hours dreaming up creative ways to engage students and the public in astronomy.

Creating long-lasting impacts on friends and the broader community has been a passion for Martin. He credits SFU for giving him the space and opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. One such opportunity took him to Montréal, where he worked as a Software Developer at the Canadian Space Agency on a mission planning tool for Canada’s first-ever lunar rover. He also served as webmaster for the local chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, an experience he calls one of the highlights of his time at SFU.

“Whether it was developing a queuing application to eliminate line-ups for the crowds at the Trottier Observatory or watching new club members continue the legacy of the Astronomy club, the moments that have stayed with me are the ones where I saw our efforts contribute to something lasting.”

Martin’s journey has been shaped not only by his love of astronomy and technology but also by the mentors and peers he’s met along the way. He names Professors Joanna Woo (SFU Physics), Nick Sumner (SFU Computing Science), and Russell Taylor (SFU SIAT), and  as key influences during his time at SFU.

“One of my first formative experiences at SFU was through a software development project where some student teams were paired with industry partners. That’s how I joined a team at BGC Engineering, which turned into both a contract and later a co-op. It was the first time I saw how my interests in databases and user design could come together, and when I realized how much I enjoy turning ideas into real, meaningful applications.”

Looking ahead, Martin is eager to keep exploring the intersection of astronomy, software, and community engagement. He’s currently continuing development on a virtual queueing web app for the Trottier Observatory and exploring roles as a full-stack software developer. Whether it’s science, education, or creative projects, Martin is drawn to work that’s meaningful and interdisciplinary.

“Just like my academic path, I’m open to opportunities that spark curiosity, from building real-world software to contributing to scientific research or even working with virtual reality,” he says.

When asked for advice to current and future Computing Science students, Martin encourages students to follow their curiosity and seek new paths.

“Your academic journey doesn’t need to be straightforward. I came in with a love for astronomy, and when I found there wasn’t a student club, I started one. Trying out design electives at SIAT helped me develop important soft skills. Virtual Reality isn’t part of the Computing Science curriculum now, but seeking out a practicum with the SFU Centre of Digital Media allowed me to co-develop a sandblasting VR simulator that I showcased at an XR conference at Harvard University. SFU does have space for exploration, but you might need to go off path to find it.”

This June, Martin crosses the convocation stage with a Bachelor of Science in Computing Science. Congratulations, Martin, and welcome to the SFU Alumni community!