People Spotlights

Visiting Associate, Applied Physics and Materials Science

Doug Hofmann

I am a Senior Research Scientist and Technologist at NASA JPL, where I have worked since finishing my PhD in materials science and engineering at Caltech. I started at Caltech in 2004 as a graduate student after completing my BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering at UC San Diego. My research passion has always been metallurgy, with a focus on manufacturing. After my PhD, I briefly worked in industry before founding JPL’s Metallurgy Facility in 2010, a lab designed to study new materials and manufacturing technologies for extreme environment spacecraft. In 2012, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Obama for my work in this area. I have been teaching continuously at Caltech since 2010, including graduate level Structure and Bonding in Solids and undergraduate level Mechanical Behavior of Materials Laboratory Course. My wife, Carrie, and I met as graduate students at Caltech and now we have four kids together.

Senior Research Scientist, Applied Physics and Materials Science

Taeyoon Jeon

Hi, I'm a Senior Research Scientist in the Applied Physics department. I have been with Caltech for 7 years, and I initially joined as a postdoctoral scholar. During my time here, I have focused on making a portable mid-infrared spectrometer and spectral imaging device. This research has led me to start a company. Additionally, I'm interested in nanofabrication and building a vacuum system from scratch. Currently, I'm working on building a next generational deposition system in Linde Hall. When I'm not pursuing these works, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Edwin H. & Florence G. Skinner Professor of Electrical & Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis

Lan Yang

From fearlessly entering new fields of science to her passion for science fiction, Lan Yang (MS '00, PhD '05) loves exploring the unknown. Growing up in China, Yang was inspired by the life of Marie Curie, who's groundbreaking work altered medicine and our understanding of radioactivity. Along with her role at Washington University in St. Louis, Yang is also the chief technology officer (CTO) for a company she helped to found and the editor-in-chief of a science journal. Through these positions, Yang continues to pursue the unknown and grow the science community.

Stefan Maier

Stefan Maier (PhD '03) has established a strong track record in community building, from Imperial College London to his current role as the Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. His mentorship has had a global academic impact, with over 21 members of his various research groups now holding academic positions. As a researcher, Maier has also made significant contributions to the field of nanophotonics, most notably the use of light together with nanostructures to control and enhance light matter interactions in biosensing and optoelectronics.

Peter Hung

Peter Hung's (BS '08, PhD '16) journey in science has taken him from the Science Olympiad competition to The Aerospace Corporation, where he currently serves as a technology portfolio manager. Hung's impact extends beyond his work at The Aerospace Corporation, as evidenced by his 2013-2014 ASCIT (Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology) teaching award and his ongoing commitment to STEM outreach initiatives for students in southern California.

Steve Schell

Steve Schell (BS '01) serves as the chief scientist for solar energy company Heliogen, but his interests are not exclusive to our solar system (or our universe). In addition to his professional contributions as a scientist, engineer, and CEO, Schell is a self-professed "lover of sci-fi" and even runs a successful science fiction book club.

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