Caltech Alumni

Caltech Together: Silicon Valley
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Intuitive Surgical, Café in B108 1020 Kifer Road, Sunnyvale, CA, 94086, United States
“Information: From Life to Artificial Intelligence”. Join Us for an In-Person Event
Thursday, September 18, 20256:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Intuitive SurgicalCafé in B1081020 Kifer RoadSunnyvale, CA 94086
If you would like to attend, register in advance for this event here.
For our next dinner event, Shuki Bruck will discuss the evolution of information systems through three mega events: life, natural language, and now AI, asking whether AI could radically transform how we create, encode, and comprehend meaning. He is Caltech’s Gordon and Betty Moore Professor emeritus, known for pioneering work in information theory, neural networks, and DNA computing; recipient of the Feynman Prize for Excellence in Teaching; founder of Caltech’s IST program; and co-founder of three startups, including XtremIO, whose flash storage system’s revenue reached $3B within three years of launch.
Attendance is limited to 60 people.
To attend, please pay $30 by September 16 at 4:00 p.m. (PT) to our alumni volunteer David Adler via Venmo (last 4 digits of his phone # 7164) or Paypal. Due to limited capacity, you won’t be admitted if you haven’t paid. After paying, click here for your name tag.
Dinner MenuTurkey Havarti SandwichRoast Beef and Cheddar SandwichTunacado SandwichRoasted Portobello Sandwich
SidesHouse Made Potato Chips Mixed Green Salad Balsamic Vinaigrette Ranch Dressing
DessertChef’s Assortment
With assortment of drinks provided by Intuitiv.
We look forward to seeing you!
Peter Tong
“Information: From Life to Artificial Intelligence”By Shuki Bruck
Information, like physics, is a first-order concept, fundamental to life, intelligence, and human progress. This talk traces the evolution of information systems through the lens of information mega events—rare, transformative shifts in how information is encoded, transmitted, and used. The first information mega event was the emergence of life, when DNA began encoding structure and behavior, and evolution became a process of accumulating survival-critical information.
The second was the rise of the human brain and natural language—a system of syntax and semantics that enabled memory, communication, and creativity, leading to the invention of new languages, from mathematics to music.
Today, artificial intelligence introduces a new and uncertain force in this trajectory. Its long-term impact remains unknown, but it raises the possibility of a third information mega event. Could AI invent new languages, generate meaning, and transform how humanity evolves, not only in how we communicate, but also in how we teach, learn, and comprehend the world?
About the Speaker
Jehoshua (Shuki) Bruck is the Gordon and Betty Moore Professor of Computation and Neural Systems and Electrical Engineering, emeritus, at Caltech. His research treats information as a first-order concept—fundamental to life, intelligence, and technology. He has made pioneering contributions to neural network architectures, DNA computing and storage, information theory, error-correcting codes, and storage systems. He has published over 350 papers and holds more than 50 U.S. patents.
At Caltech, Shuki mentored 21 PhD students and 15 postdocs; 22 of his 36 alumni now hold faculty positions. He created and taught Information and Logic, an undergraduate course that explores the historical emergence of core ideas in information, highlighting their impact on modern thought and technology. For this work, he received Caltech’s Feynman Prize for Excellence in Teaching, the Institute’s highest teaching honor. He also founded Caltech’s Information Science and Technology (IST) program, raising over $60 million to establish the initiative and construct its dedicated building.
In industry, Shuki co-founded three startups: Rainfinity, XtremIO, and MemVerge. Rainfinity and XtremIO were both acquired by EMC. XtremIO’s all-flash storage system redefined enterprise data storage, reaching $3 billion in revenue within three years—the fastest product ramp-up in the industry. MemVerge develops software for memory-centric AI infrastructure.

Our Alumni Volunteers‍
The following alumni work together to serve you: Avni Gandhi, Dave Adler, Jane Frommer, Mike Klein, Susan Huynh, and Peter Tong.

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Caltech Together: Lancaster, PA
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | Cherry Crest Farm, 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, PA, 17572, United States
Connect with fellow alumni for a morning of fall fun at Cherry Crest Farm. Enjoy numerous activities before the cider donut fall festival begins at noon. Buy your admission ticket directly on the Cherry Crest Farm website and meet up at the barnyard jump. Hayride tickets are also available for purchase. Guests of all ages are welcome, and family members are encouraged to attend. Whether you’re local or visiting for the weekend, take this opportunity to connect with the Caltech community and celebrate the season. Please be sure to register for both: complete the Caltech Together form so we know you’re coming, and purchase your official admission tickets on the Cherry Crest Farm website.

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Caltech in Los Alamos, NM
2025-09-20 10:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Los Alamos History Museum, 1050 Bathtub Row, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 87544
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 served11:00 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 program1:00 p.m. – Lunch served1:30 p.m. – Conversation with David Chavez (BS ’96, DAA ’14), Sara Del Valle, PhD, and Quaye Quartey, followed by audience Q&A2:30 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.

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Annual Meeting of Members
2025-09-25 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
On Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. PT the Caltech Alumni Association will hold its Annual Meeting of Members event online via Zoom. Hear about CAA’s accomplishments over the past year, congratulate the new CAA Board Directors and Officers, and learn more about plans for the coming year.
Registration closes on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Register today
Thursday, September 25, 20255:00 – 6:00 p.m. PTOnline
To learn more about Annual Meeting of Members, click here.
Questions? Contact Theresa Szeto, Senior Administrative Assistant to the AVP of Alumni Relations at info@alumni.caltech.edu.

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Techer Live: Future Prospects for American Science
2025-09-25 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
How Universities and Alumni Can Restore Trust in Science—and Serve the Public Good
Public trust in science is under strain, with consequences for research, policy, and society. What role can universities—and their alumni—do to help restore it?
Join Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum and Science Editor-in-Chief Holden Thorp (PhD ’89) for a candid discussion on how universities and alumni can help bridge the growing divide between science and the public. Moderated by author-performer Sandra Tsing Loh (BS ’83, DAA ’01).
Techer Live is a new series presented by the Caltech Alumni Association, designed to bring timely, thought-provoking conversations to alumni worldwide—primarily online, with select in-person events.
This event will be held in person at Ramo Auditorium and livestreamed via Zoom to reach the broader alumni community.
Date and Time: Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 6 p.m. PTRSVP Deadline: Tuesday, September 23, 2025Registration: Registration for the event is closed. Advance registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. Capacity: In-person seating at Ramo Auditorium limited to 350
For inquiries, contact Kat Hantman at info@alumni.caltech.edu or 626-395-6592.

Holden Thorp (PhD ’89)

Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals and a professor of chemistry and medicine at George Washington University. A chemist and academic leader, he previously served as chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and as provost of Washington University in St. Louis. Thorp received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UNC, a PhD in chemistry from Caltech, and completed postdoctoral work at Yale University. He has been recognized as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Academy of Inventors.

Thomas F. Rosenbaum

Caltech’s ninth president and the Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and professor of physics. He is an expert on the quantum mechanical nature of materials, conducting research at Bell Laboratories, IBM Watson Research Center, and the University of Chicago, where he served as Vice President for Research & Argonne National Laboratory and then Provost, before moving to Caltech in 2014. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics with honors from Harvard University and a PhD in physics from Princeton University.

Sandra Tsing Loh (BS ’83, DAA ’01)

A writer, performer, and science communicator, she will moderate the conversation. Loh is the creator and host of The Loh Down on Science, a nationally syndicated radio segment. A Caltech physics graduate (BS ’83, DAA ’01), she has contributed to NPR’s Morning Edition, Marketplace, and This American Life, and is the author of six books. An Atlantic Monthly contributing editor, she has performed her solo shows off-Broadway and at major venues including the Geffen Playhouse and the Kennedy Center. Her play The Madwoman in the Volvo, based on her memoir, premiered at South Coast Repertory and toured nationally. She teaches drama and science communication at UC Irvine.

LA South Bay Techers Monthly Lunch (October)
2025-10-09 11:45 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Brewport Tap House & Kitchen, 204 Main Street, El Segundo, CA, 90245, United States
Meet fellow alumni for lunch, connect with others in your field, talk science, and share Caltech memories. Whether you want to discuss research, revisit campus stories, or meet new Techers in the area, it’s a great way to stay engaged.
This month’s meetup: Thursday, October 9, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Location: Brewport Tap House & Kitchen, 204 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245Menu: Available on Brewport’s website.

Register here

Caltech Together: San Diego Second Sunday (October 2025)
2025-10-12 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lake Poway Park, 14644 Lake Poway Rd, Poway, CA, 92064
Held on the second Sunday of the month, this hike takes alumni, family, and friends to one of San Diego’s most iconic trails. Join fellow Techers for a climb to Potato Chip Rock and Mount Woodson, a 7.5-mile roundtrip hike with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain and sweeping views from the summit.
Meetup and timing• Meet at 7:45 a.m. at the main pier in front of the store at Lake Poway Park (14644 Lake Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064).• The group will depart promptly at 8:00 a.m.• Expect to finish by 12:30 p.m.
Optional lunchAfter the hike, participants are welcome to gather for lunch at a nearby spot (location to be decided by the group).
What to bring• Snacks and plenty of water• Sunscreen, hat, and sturdy shoes• $10 per car for parking (for non-Poway residents)
Register on SignUpGenius so the host knows how many to expect.
Alumni, family, and friends are welcome.

Register

Caltech Together: Houston, TX
2025-10-14 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Greentown Labs, 4200 San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX, 77004, United States
Houston alumni, connect with your fellow Techers during Caltech Together: Houston, TX at Greentown Labs.
Greentown Labs is the world’s largest climate tech and energy incubator, with locations in Boston, Massachusetts, and Houston, Texas. Greentown’s Houston location supports about 70 startups in a 30,000-square-foot facility that includes a prototyping lab, machine shop, electronics lab, and tool shop.
The event will take place from 5:30–8:00 p.m. CT at Greentown Labs, 4200 San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX 77004. It will include an exclusive tour of the facility along with talks from several of the Greentown startups about their work. A light dinner will be served.

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Caltech Together: Silicon Valley
2025-10-16 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
“Using AI to Accelerate the Discovery of New Small Molecules“.Join Us Online.
Thursday, October 16, 20255:30 – 7:00 p.m.
If you would like to attend, register in advance for this event here.
Following the webinar, join us for a post-event social via Zoom, where you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with fellow alumni and speak with the presenter. If you would like our alumni or professors to share with us their work/interests during a future event, please let me know.
We look forward to seeing you!
Peter Tong
“Using AI to Accelerate the Discovery of New Small Molecules”By Connor Coley
The prototypical discovery workflow for molecules involves iterating through design-build-test loops. AI has a role to play in (a) property prediction, (b) molecular design, and (c) synthesis planning, among others. This talk will summarize some approaches to each of these tasks individually. More importantly, it will discuss the merits of approaching these tasks simultaneously and considering, for example, practical considerations of synthesis during molecular generation.
About the Speaker
Connor is the Class of 1957 Career Development Professor and an Associate Professor at MIT in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research group works at the interface of AI and chemistry to develop models that understand how molecules behave, interact, and react and use that knowledge to engineer new ones, with an emphasis on therapeutic discovery. He received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Caltech and his PhD from MIT, followed by postdoctoral training at the Broad Institute.
Connor’s work has been recognized with the NSF CAREER Award (2021), C&EN’s “Talented Twelve” (2018), Forbes 30 Under 30: Healthcare (2019), Technology Review’s 35 Innovators Under 35 (2023), and the Bayer Early Excellence in Science Award (2021), among other honors. He was named as a Schmidt AI2050 Early Career Fellow (2022), Samsung AI Researcher of the Year (2023), Scialog Fellow (2024), and Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar (2025), and was selected for the NAE Frontiers of Engineering Symposium (2025). Connor has been further recognized for his teaching and mentorship by MIT’s inaugural Common Ground Award for Excellence in Teaching (2023), the Outstanding UROP Mentor Award (2024), and the James W. Swan Outstanding Faculty Award for Graduate Teaching in Chemical Engineering (2024, 2025).
Outside of MIT, Connor is a scientific advisor to several companies pursuing AI-driven discovery. He serves on the advisory boards of ACS Central Science, Chemical Science, and Digital Discovery, and is an Associate Editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Our Alumni Volunteers‍
The following alumni work together to serve you: Avni Gandhi, Dave Adler, Jane Frommer, Mike Klein, Susan Huynh, and Peter Tong.

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Alumni Weekend
2025-10-17 09:00 - 2025-10-19 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | California Insitute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, United States
Join fellow Techers for a weekend of curiosity, camaraderie, and celebration—right here in Pasadena.
Explore a full slate of events, including faculty and student programs, the Distinguished Alumni Awards panel, Hall of Honor, SURF Seminar Day, and campus tours. Celebrate cherished traditions like the Milestone Reunion Dinners (for class years ending in ‘0 and ‘5), Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) gatherings, House events, and the All-Alumni Celebration.
Deadline to register: Monday, October 6, 2025. Registration is required to attend event.
Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 19, 2025

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Caltech Together: Ann Arbor, MI
2025-11-01 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109
Connect with fellow alumni and postdocs at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), hosted by Jing Liu (PhD ’98).
UMMA is one of the largest university art museums in the country and a place to connect—with art, with each other, and with ideas that challenge and inspire. Admission is free, and the museum encourages conversation in the galleries.
The program will run from 1–3 p.m. ET. The first hour will feature “slow looking” in small rotating groups, allowing participants to explore select works of art and spark meaningful conversation. The second hour will be spent together in the museum café, where Techers can continue discussions and enjoy time to reconnect.

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Caltech Together: Caltech vs. MIT Women’s Basketball
2025-11-08 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Braun Athletic Center, 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91125, United States
Join Caltech and MIT alumni for a pre-game reception and an afternoon of spirited competition and Techer pride as the Caltech Women’s Basketball team takes on MIT.

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Caltech Women’s Basketball team takes on MIT in Pasadena. The fun begins at 2 p.m. with a pre-game reception on the Braun Athletic Center patio, hosted by Bernoulli the Beaver—Caltech’s beloved mascot. Catch up with fellow alumni, family, and friends while enjoying complimentary refreshments before cheering on the Beavers at the 4 p.m. tipoff.
Parking is free on Saturdays in the nearby California Parking Structure, and no permit is required.View the full season schedule here.

Register here

Caltech Together: San Diego Second Sunday (November 2025)
2025-11-09 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Iron Mountain
Held on the second Sunday of the month, this hike invites alumni, family, and friends to explore one of San Diego’s favorite trails. Join fellow Techers for a climb up Iron Mountain, a 6-mile round-trip hike with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain and loss, offering rewarding views at the summit.
Meetup and timing• Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the main trailhead at the east end of Poway Road.• The group will depart shortly after gathering.• Expect to finish by 12:30 p.m.
Optional lunchAfter the hike, participants are welcome to gather for lunch at a nearby spot (location to be decided by the group).
What to bring• Snacks and plenty of water• Sunscreen, hat, and sturdy shoes
Register on SignUpGenius so the host knows how many to expect.
Alumni, family, and friends are welcome.

Register

LA South Bay Techers Monthly Lunch (November)
2025-11-13 11:45 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Brewport Tap House & Kitchen, 204 Main Street, El Segundo, CA, 90245, United States
Meet fellow alumni for lunch, connect with others in your field, talk science, and share Caltech memories. Whether you want to discuss research, revisit campus stories, or meet new Techers in the area, it’s a great way to stay engaged.
This month’s meetup: Thursday, November 13, 11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Location: Brewport Tap House & Kitchen, 204 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245Menu: Available on Brewport’s website.

Register here

Caltech Together: Silicon Valley
2025-11-20 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Rove beetles show extreme evolution, changing from free-living predators to imposters that infiltrate ant societies. This exceptional symbiotic transition helps us understand how ecological relationships are formed. Through dramatic shifts in their social behavior and chemical communication, different species interact and develop intimate relationships. Our speaker, Professor Joe Parker, was just named a MacArthur Fellow.
Following the webinar, join us for a post-event social via Zoom, where you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with fellow alumni and speak with the presenter. If you would like our alumni or professors to share with us their work/interests during a future event, please let me know.
We look forward to seeing you!
Peter Tong
“The Rove Beetle’s Story: The Evolution of Interspecies Relationships”By Joe Parker
The biosphere is a network of interacting species, connecting organisms across all scales, from microbes to mammals. Our knowledge of the mechanisms behind these relationships and the evolutionary forces that shape them is incomplete. In this lecture, I will describe how my lab has pioneered the study of rove beetles as a group of related species to break open basic problems in how organisms interact and where these interactions come from.
Most of the 66,000 rove beetle species are free-living predators. But, from this original lifestyle, hundreds of their relatives have changed into symbiotic organisms that specialize in living as imposters within the complex societies of ants. The shift from free-living to symbiotic is a paradigm of extreme evolution, involving major changes in social behavior and chemical communication that allow rove beetles to blend into the social life of their host colonies.
The widespread evolution of this symbiosis, combined with the tractability of studying both free-living and symbiotic rove beetles, makes for a powerful system to understand how and why new ecological relationships emerge during evolution.
Joe will discuss how his lab’s work is creating an integrated picture of how species recognize and interact, illuminating the conditions leading to these interactions, and the forces shaping their evolution into dependent and highly intimate relationships.
About the Speaker
Joe is an evolutionary biologist who has pioneered the study of rove beetles to investigate the evolution of symbiosis and species interactions. Originally from Swansea, Wales, he received a BS from Imperial College London and a PhD from the University of Cambridge/MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and was a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University. Currently, he is a Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at Caltech, where he is the director of Caltech’s Center for Evolutionary Science. He is also a research associate in the Division of Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. He was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2024.

Our Alumni Volunteers‍
The following alumni work together to serve you: Avni Gandhi, Dave Adler, Jane Frommer, Mike Klein, Susan Huynh, and Peter Tong.

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Caltech in Chicago
2025-11-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Griffin Museum of Science + Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
A Caltech Event at the Nation’s Premier Museum of Science and Industry
Caltech invites alumni, former postdocs, and friends in the Chicago area to a special gathering featuring remarks from Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum, the Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and Professor of Physics. The program will focus on community, connection, and the Institute today. Set inside the Griffin Museum of Science + Industry—one of the largest science museums in the world—the event offers a fitting backdrop to celebrate Caltech’s spirit of discovery and innovation.
Event Highlights

Time to connect with fellow Techers living and working in the region
Updates from Caltech leadership
Museum admission included with the event

Registration closed on Monday, November 17.
For questions, contact Karen Ravago-Ballaret at info@alumni.caltech.edu or 626-395-6592.

Thomas F. Rosenbaum
President; Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair; Professor of Physics
Thomas F. Rosenbaum, Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and Professor of Physics, is the ninth President of Caltech. He is an expert on the quantum mechanical nature of materials, conducting research at Bell Laboratories, IBM Watson Research Center, and the University of Chicago, where he served as Vice President for Research & Argonne National Laboratory and then Provost, before moving to Caltech in 2014. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics with honors from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton University.

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Caltech Together: San Diego
2025-12-03 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Advances in Infant Microbiome Medicine: A Conversation with Stephanie Culler, Co-Founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences
This virtual Caltech Together event will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. (PST).
The old adage “you are what you eat” has never been more true. Poor gut health has been linked to a wide range of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, autoimmune conditions, and even anxiety and depression. And it could all start in infancy.
Please join the MIT Club of San Diego and the Caltech Alumni Association as we welcome Stephanie Culler, co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences and Caltech PhD ’09, who will discuss her company’s My Baby Biome project, the largest and most diverse U.S. infant biome study to date. This research found that only 24 percent of the babies in the study had all of the key bacteria associated with a healthy microbiome. Gut bacteria deficiencies can lead to a greater risk of developing asthma, allergies, and eczema later in life.
This research has led to the development of the first pre-biotic and pro-biotic supplements for infants and toddlers, which Persephone is currently launching. To support this launch, Persephone is also in the midst of raising a round of funding. Along with sharing the company’s research, Stephanie will provide details on both the product launch and the fundraising round.
RegistrationClick below to sign up. A Zoom link will be emailed prior to the event.

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Stephanie Culler (PhD '09)
Co-founder and CEO, Persephone Biosciences
The co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences, she leads a biotechnology company developing microbiome-based medicines that improve patient health. Her work spans applications in infant health, oncology, and food as medicine. She has presented at TEDx San Diego, published in Science magazine, and is recognized as a pioneer in synthetic biology. She earned her PhD at Caltech and has authored more than twenty publications and patents on synthetic biology and microbial-based technologies.

Caltech Together: Silicon Valley December
2025-12-18 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Moore Foundation, 1661 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, United States
“Scientific and Business Innovation Powered by AI”. Join Us for an In-Person Event.
Thursday, December 18, 202511:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.
Moore Foundation1661 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
To attend, please click this link to purchase tickets through Eventbrite.
Attendance is limited to 80 people.Price: $32 per ticket (price slightly higher due to using Eventbrite)Ticket sales will end on December 16 at 4:00 p.m. (PT), or when sold out.*Don’t click any checkboxes. They are Eventbrite’s marketing campaigns.
We look forward to seeing you!
Peter TongP.S. Additional information can be found below regarding:– Remembering our wonderful friend, Mike Klein– Our alumni volunteers
“Scientific and Business Innovation Powered by AI”
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how science is done and how businesses are built. We will explore the frontier where AI becomes both scientists and entrepreneurs—accelerating discovery, enabling new kinds of genius, and spawning a new generation of science-driven startups. We will examine how AI systems are proposing experiments, writing code, and generating hypotheses; how researchers are leveraging these tools in daily work; and where the next breakthroughs in AI architecture, agents, and scientific entrepreneurship may emerge. Join us for an inside look at the fusion of intelligence, innovation, and imagination that defines this new era.
About the Moderator and Panelists
Moderator, Richard StarsonEntrepreneur and scientist focused on fusion energy, AI, and space exploration, Richard earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics at Caltech under Chris Hirata. He also did research at Harvard and the Space Telescope Science Institute. After Caltech, Richard founded Escape Dynamics, which pioneered microwave-powered space launch and wireless energy transfer, and later co-founded Passio, an AI platform powering next-gen healthcare and fitness applications. Today, he leads a new deep tech venture at the intersection of propulsion and AI.
PanelistsKonstantin BatyginProfessor of Planetary Science at Caltech, Konstantin is known for groundbreaking work on planetary dynamics, formation, and evolution—spanning the solar system and exoplanets alike. His research combines mathematical modeling and physical insight to understand how planets form and move through chaotic systems. In 2020, Konstantin co-founded Lucinetic, an AI company specializing in tools for Geographic Information Systems, which concluded with an IP sale earlier this year. In his free time, he moonlights as a singer and guitarist for the rock band The Seventh Season.
Howard ZhouSenior Director of Engineering at Google DeepMind, Howard develops AI systems at the cutting edge of computer vision, graphics, and machine learning. With a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and a Caltech B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science, his work bridges computation and perception, from large-scale visual intelligence systems to frontier LLMs like Gemini, helping shape the next generation of intelligent machines. Howard brings a unique perspective on the future of AI, having participated in the evolution of the field for over a decade.
Join Us to Remember our Wonderful Friend, Mike Klein
Our wonderful friend, Mike Klein, has passed away.
I have known Mike for more than 2 decades. He was always very pleasant, calm and collected, with a gentle smile on his face. Mike managed our Zoom meeting and our finance. You can always depend on him. Through the years whenever issues came up in running these Caltech events, he would always be there, providing thoughtful and helpful approaches to resolve them.
We will miss Mike. He will always be in my heart. We wish his family all the best in this moment of grieving.
To attend, please click this link to purchase tickets through Eventbrite.

Our Alumni Volunteers‍
The following Alumni work together to serve you: Avni Gandhi, Dave Adler, Jane Frommer, Susan Huynh, and Peter Tong.

Finland ~ Arctic Magnificence
2026-02-19 - 2026-02-27
Experience the Northern Lights in Finland
In February 2026, join fellow Techers for an immersive winter adventure across Finland and Estonia. From the vibrant capital of Helsinki to the snowy landscapes of Lapland, this small-group program offers a unique opportunity to explore Nordic culture, Arctic science, and the natural wonder of the aurora borealis.
This journey features guided cultural excursions, enriching local experiences, and the rare chance to view the Northern Lights from a private glass-domed cabin. Participants will also visit a Sámi reindeer farm, snowshoe under the stars, and enjoy a ferry ride to the medieval city of Tallinn, Estonia.

Gregg W. Hallinan, PhD
Professor of Astronomy; Director, Owens Valley Radio Observatory
Gregg Hallinan is a professor of astronomy at Caltech and director of the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO). Originally from Ireland, he earned his undergraduate and PhD degrees from the National University of Ireland, Galway. He came to the United States as a Jansky Fellow at UC Berkeley in 2010 before joining the Caltech faculty in 2012.
Hallinan’s research focuses on discovering and characterizing new and variable sources in the radio sky, particularly the electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave events. He also investigates radio emission from aurorae on exoplanets and brown dwarfs, aiming for the first detection of a planetary magnetosphere beyond our solar system.
Driven by these broad scientific themes, Hallinan has led the development of a new generation of radio telescopes optimized for time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy. His group is pioneering real-time radio imaging technology, culminating in the Deep Synoptic Array (DSA-2000)—a 2,000-dish telescope set to become the most powerful radio observatory in the world.

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Half Century Club Celebration
2026-05-14 - 2026-05-17 | California Insitute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, United States
Come back to Pasadena for a weekend of activities celebrating Half Century Club alumni and the newest Half Century Club inductees from the Class of 1976. The Half Century Club includes all alumni (of all degrees!) who graduated 50 or more years ago. Events will include recognition of the milestone classes, sessions with beloved faculty, House gatherings with current students, and more!
Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, May 17, 2026
Registration will open January 2026.

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Milestone Class Dinners
2026-05-15 08:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | California Insitute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, United States
Join your fellow Techers on Friday, May 15, 2026, for the Milestone Class Dinners at the beautiful Athenaeum on the Caltech campus. Milestone dinners will join the spring schedule in 2026 along with campus tours, house happy hours, Seminar Day, and more. This year’s celebration highlights all graduating classes ending in ‘1 and ‘6 and will be open to all milestone class members and any other alumni and guests who want to join the celebration—and that includes your class!
Dinners are open to all milestone class members and any other alumni and guests who want to join the celebration.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Registration will open January 2026.

Seminar Day
2026-05-16 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | California Insitute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, United States
Join the Caltech community for the 89th Annual Seminar Day on May 16. This one-day hybrid event will bring together the Caltech community from around the world to learn about the latest research and discoveries from Caltech faculty, alumni, and current students across various fields of science, technology, engineering, and more. Hear engaging faculty lectures from all Divisions, check out presentations from undergraduate and graduate student research, visit exciting labs, and tour the beautiful campus. Return to Beckman Auditorium for a full day of talks, questions, and answers — or join virtually and stream all sessions from anywhere the world!
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (PST)Beckman Auditorium and Online
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Registration will open January 2026.

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Total Solar Eclipse with a Taste of Spain
2026-08-10 - 2026-08-13
Experience the 2026 Total Eclipse in Spain

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain. Join fellow Techers in Zaragoza, a historic city along the path of totality, for an immersive experience that combines science, exploration, and community.
This program offers a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most striking phenomena while engaging with experts and alumni. In addition to the eclipse,participants will explore Zaragoza’s rich cultural and scientific heritage

Stay Connected
Accurate contact information ensures invitations reach the full Caltech community. Alumni and former postdocs in Europe are encouraged to share this event or provide updated contact details at info@alumni.caltech.edu.
Featured Guests

Dr. Douglas Duncan (BS ’73)
Emeritus faculty member in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences of the University of Colorado

Dr. Douglas Duncan is an astronomer at the University of Colorado and former director of the Fiske Planetarium. He was part of the team that first identified sunspot cycles on other stars and later worked on the Hubble Space Telescope.
A member of The Explorer’s Club, he has traveled to the North Pole and provided science commentary for outlets such as Chicago Public Radio, the History Channel, and BBC Horizon. An award-winning educator, he has led eclipse-viewing trips worldwide.

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