People Spotlights
All Spotlights
- Postdoc, Applied Physics and Materials Science
Lingyuan Kong
I am a third-year postdoc working with professor Stevan Nadj-Perge in the Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science and the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter. My research focuses on exploring exotic electronic quantum states on exfoliated thin flakes of strongly correlated materials. Among them, one of the most interesting topics is the non-abelian anyons, which are anticipated to emerge in topological superconductors as well as systems exhibiting intrinsic topological order. I am also interested in a more generic perspective of the symmetry-breaking superconducting orders, very recently, we discovered a remarkable quantum state that breaks intra-unit-cell symmetry, named Pair Density Modulation state. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and watching movies.
- Graduate Student, Applied Physics and Materials Science
Yuchun Sun
I am a graduate student in Materials Science, working with Professor Julia R. Greer. My research focuses on utilizing photopolymerization 3D printing techniques to create micro-architected energy storage materials. We hope to find innovative approaches to build batteries with higher energy density and longer lifetime. I was raised around Tianjin and Beijing in China. Before coming to Caltech, I received my bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and applied math from UC Berkeley. Outside of research, I spend a lot of time playing board games and poker with my friends at Caltech. I also enjoy growing flowers and green plants at home, creating a vibrant and lively space as my important energy source.
- Graduate Student, Applied Physics and Materials Science
Jared Sisler
I am a 4th year graduate student in Applied Physics, working in Professor Harry Atwater's group. My research focuses on developing active metasurfaces: tunable optical elements capable of controlling the properties of light with nanostructured materials. Using these devices, we are specifically interested in steering laser light quickly and efficiently for applications such as LiDAR and optical communication. I enjoy the variety of work that is involved in my research which is split between simulation and design, nanofabrication, and optical measurements. Outside of the lab, I spend most of my time riding my bike.
- Postdoctoral Scholar, Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Pio Ong
I have been at Caltech for two years under the supervision of Professor Aaron Ames. My research focus is on the intelligent resource-aware control for nonlinear systems, with the goal of reducing resource usage in autonomous systems. Currently, I study resource-constrained control systems and formulate control policies to reduce the frequency of resource-consuming control actions. For example, I use nonlinear control theory to analyze and formulate event-triggered designs for satellites to reduce the number of thruster firings. In addition to this exciting research, Caltech also provided me with the opportunity to instruct an undergraduate course as a lecturer. I really enjoyed the teaching experience and the freedom to craft my own syllabus in the way I believed would best benefit students. Outside of my career, I enjoy listening to K-Pop music, watching math videos, and playing chess/Go.
- Graduate Student, GALCIT
Divesh Soni
Hello everyone! I am Divesh, currently a 3rd year graduate student in Professor Sergio Pellegrino’s lab. I am doing my PhD in Space Engineering. Before joining Caltech, I worked as a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). In ISRO, I worked on structural design and analysis of solar arrays, reflectors, and other spacecraft appendages. I was always surprised about how things would almost never behave as they should in experiments. This made learning pleasurable and as exciting as solving a puzzle. Here at Caltech, I am working on understanding slew maneuvers of spacecrafts with large lightweight flexible structures relevant to the Space Solar Power Project. When not working on my research, I tend to drift away to the mountains, hiking and enjoying the burst of fresh air. I am grateful for the opportunities here at Caltech and the way I am challenged every day makes me feel alive!
- President of the Space & Mission Systems sector at BAE Systems, Inc.
Dave Kaufman
Dave Kaufman (MS '90, PhD '95, mechanical engineering) is a testament to the power of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities. Kaufman began his career as a thermal engineer, but his willingness to go "off script" has led him to his current role as President of the Space & Mission Systems sector at BAE Systems, Inc. Along with his three-decade industry career, Kaufman has been awarded two patents for his research and development work and is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.