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Caltech in Los Alamos, NM
Discover the History of the Secret City
Join fellow Caltech alumni, postdocs, and friends for a day of exploration, learning, and community in Los Alamos—the city that played a central role in one of the most significant scientific undertakings of the 20th century.
Begin your day with light refreshments and a guided tour at the Los Alamos History Museum, where you’ll explore ancestral Pueblo sites, step inside the homestead-era Romero Cabin, and uncover why J. Robert Oppenheimer and General Groves chose this isolated mesa as the headquarters for the Manhattan Project.
After the tour, head to the Bradbury Science Museum to enjoy lunch and a moderated conversation with David Chavez (BS ’96, DAA ’14), scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory; Sara Del Valle, PhD, Chief Scientist for the Associate Laboratory Director for Global Security at Los Alamos National Laboratory and a LANL Fellow; and Quaye Quartey, group leader in the Nuclear Engineering and Nonproliferation Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory and retired U.S. Navy commander. Following the discussion, guests are welcome to explore the Bradbury Science Museum exhibits.
Schedule:
10:30 a.m. – Check-in at the Los Alamos History Museum Museum Shop; light snacks served
11:00 a.m. – The Secret City guided group tour (approx. 1.5–2 hours)
12:30 p.m. – Walk to the Bradbury Science Museum for lunch and the featured program
1:00 p.m. – Lunch served
1:30 p.m. – Conversation with David Chavez (BS ’96, DAA ’14), Sara Del Valle, PhD, and Quaye Quartey, followed by audience Q&A
2:30 p.m. – Program concludes; guests are welcome to explore the Bradbury Science Museum exhibits until the 5:00 p.m. closing
Registration is now closed.
If you have questions, contact Xochiltl Bravo at info@alumni.caltech.edu or 626-395-6592.
David Chavez (BS ’96, DAA ’14)
A leading expert in high-energy materials, David E. Chavez (BS ’96) serves as Deputy Group Leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has earned national recognition, including the Department of Energy’s E. O. Lawrence Award and Caltech’s Distinguished Alumni Award. With 13 patents and 85 publications, his work spans energetic materials, organic chemistry, and national defense. Chavez holds a PhD from Harvard and began his LANL career as a Frederick Reines Distinguished Fellow. He has served on Caltech’s Board of Trustees and multiple federal advisory panels. A passionate educator and community advocate, he continues to teach and mentor in both academic and local settings.
Sara Del Valle, PhD
Sara Del Valle, PhD, is the chief scientist for the associate laboratory director for Global Security at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). With more than 20 years of experience, she has pioneered the development of mathematical, statistical, and computational models for infectious disease spread and advanced the integration of data analytics to address national security challenges. A LANL Fellow, Del Valle is recognized for her leadership and significant contributions to strengthening global health response and preparedness.
Quaye Quartey
Quaye Quartey is a group leader in the Nuclear Engineering and Nonproliferation Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). A retired U.S. Navy commander with more than 20 years of experience in the Intelligence Community, he directed operations across four continents and held diplomatic assignments in France and Cameroon. At LANL, he leads nuclear engineers and scientists developing innovative, safety-focused designs for advanced small modular reactors and microreactors to support national security.