People Spotlights

Elizabeth W. Gilloon Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering

Sally Ng

Dr. Ng's research interest is in aerosol chemistry, air quality, and health effects. Her research focuses on both laboratory experiments and field measurements to understand the formation and evolution of atmospheric nanoparticles (aerosols). This research includes conducting laboratory chamber experiments in which specific compounds of interest can be isolated and studied under simple, well-controlled oxidation environments, allowing for a more detailed and direct characterization of the composition, chemical, and physical properties of aerosols. Dr. Ng is also involved in field measurement campaigns and integrated analysis of multidimensional and multiple worldwide mass spectrometer datasets to investigate the chemistry and life cycles (sources, processes, and fates) of ambient aerosols.

Anqi Zhang

Anqi Zhang received her Ph.D. degree in Chemistry under the supervision of Charles M. Lieber at Harvard University in 2020 and her B.S. degree in Materials Science from Fudan University in 2014. Her research is funded by the American Heart Association (AHA) postdoctoral fellowship and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) K99/R00 award. The Zhang Research Group will be dedicated to advancements in neurotechnology. The group will develop innovative tools for the modulation and monitoring of neural circuits through electronic, chemical, and genetic engineering. The ultimate goal is to bring novel technology from the laboratory to the clinic to understand and treat neurological disorders.

Angkur Shaikeea

We aim to unite designers, material scientists, and mechanicians to foster innovation in the creation of new materials. Our goal is to develop cutting-edge experimental tools, particularly using X-rays, to understand material behavior in 3D and apply this knowledge to design new materials and products. We are in pursuit of building a unique laboratory that integrates tomography, ptychography, EDXRD, and 3DXRD for in-situ measurements under mechanical loading, for metals to biological samples. By extracting detailed 3D stress and strain data, we are in pursuit of building the largest database for data-driven mechanics, enabling machine learning and AI analysis. With a strong foundation in solid mechanics, our research tackles complex challenges across disciplines while also prioritizing sustainable innovations.

Graduate Student, Aerospace

George Popov

Hello everyone, I’m George Popov, a G5 student Space Engineering working in the Space Structures Lab under Sergio Pellegrino at Caltech! My research focuses on the Space Solar Power Project, a concept for wirelessly transmitting solar energy to Earth using ultralight deployable spacecraft. More specifically, I integrate foldable thin films and composites using techniques like kirigami to achieve structural stability and high surface accuracy under the harsh environments and large thermal strains of space. I have also contributed to several other projects, including the development of a foldable donut reflector at JPL and the assembly of a spacecraft whose mission is, ironically, to assemble itself in space. Before coming to Pasadena, I studied at UPenn in the VIPER program, where my passion for the interdisciplinary intersections that excite me in my work was sparked from researching things like photophoretic levitation, particle detectors, thermionics, and solar sails. Outside of the lab, I enjoy the turtle pond, driving into the mountains, mentorship, rocketry, museums (especially Monet), and visiting friends in more temperate climates.

Postdoctoral Scholar, Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Lianghao Cao

I have been a postdoctoral researcher for almost two years in the Computing and Mathematical Sciences department at Caltech. My research aims to understand and enhance the quality and reliability of simulation-based predictions of complex physical systems in order to support risk-aware decision-making. I develop computational methods for multiscale modeling, uncertainty quantification, and optimization, embedding physical insights and offering theoretical guarantees. At Caltech, I collaborate with Professors Andrew Stuart and Kaushik Bhattacharya on learning constitutive models of multiscale inelastic materials from microscopic simulations and designed experiments. Other parts of my research involve (i) modeling and simulation for inhomogeneous polymeric systems and (ii) developing efficient and scalable Bayesian inference algorithms. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, playing sports (soccer and basketball), reading sci-fi, and playing riichi mahjong.

Undergraduate Student

Sophia-Marie Andrews

My name is Sophia, and I am a third-year undergraduate student studying Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace. I have been deeply passionate about rocketry since my first few terms at Caltech, and my academic and project work have increasingly focused on this area. I am particularly interested in propulsion design, thermal management, and fluid dynamics, especially as applied to combustion components. At Caltech, I took Ae 121 (Space Propulsion), taught by Professor Polk, which has quickly become one of my favorite courses. The class provides a rigorous foundation in nozzle flow, combustion stability and chemistry, shock theory, and performance analysis, while closely connecting to the hands-on project work I pursue outside the classroom. Beyond coursework, I am a member of PARSEC, Caltech’s rocketry team, where I work on the propulsion subteam. My contributions include analyzing coolant channel designs for our combustion chamber, designing and manufacturing venturi tubes for RP-1 flow testing, and developing a deflector plate to manage thrust during ground testing. This past summer, I conducted research on resonance ignition in the Gharib Lab. My work focused on pressure-wave coupling and ignition dynamics using a resonator cavity and nozzle that I designed. Through this project, I gained experience in high-frequency physics, experimental fluid mechanics, thermal-structural analysis, and the iterative process of moving between modeling and real-world testing. This coming summer, I will be interning at SpaceX with the thermal analysis team, where I will apply my background in heat transfer and fluid mechanics to next-generation propulsion and heat-shielding systems for Starship. I am extremely excited to contribute to the fast-paced and demanding environment at Starbase. In my free time, I am working toward my private pilot’s license, which further deepened my appreciation for fluid dynamics and engine systems. I enjoy recreational sports such as tennis, boxing, and weightlifting, and I play piano regularly. I also enjoy learning new languages and traveling.

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