People Spotlights

Postdoctoral Scholar, Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Israel Kellersztein

My research interests revolve around understanding how composite materials achieve optimal mechanical properties through multiscale reinforcement, hierarchical structural organization, and interface tuning—features commonly seen in natural systems. During my PhD, I studied the connection between the hierarchical structure and multiscale mechanical properties of the scorpion pincers' exoskeleton, aiming to understand why scorpions have different claw shapes and sizes. As a postdoctoral scholar, under the supervision of Professor Chiara Daraio, I focus on designing microalgae-based biocomposite materials using 3D printing for structural applications. Currently, I am studying the structure-property relationship of these biocomposite materials, aiming to balance thermal insulation with structural capabilities. Outside my research, I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to heavy metal music and sports.

Postdoctoral Fellow, Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Maryam Alghannam

I am a postdoctoral fellow in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, working with Professors Nadia Lapusta and Ruby Fu. I am interested in understanding the frictional and flow behavior in fault zones, from stick-slip to clogging. Prior to Caltech, I got my BS from Texas A&M University, MS from UC Berkeley and PhD from MIT. During my PhD, I worked on modeling human-induced earthquakes using spring-sliders. I also worked in the energy industry for a few years, where I was responsible for modeling fluid flow through porous media in underground reservoirs. I am originally from Saudi Arabia, born and raised there, and enjoy visiting as much as I can. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, walking around, and trying new foods.

Grants Manager Assistant, Engineering and Applied Science

Kaylee Kellum

I joined the Division of Engineering and Applied Science in 2021 as a Grants Manager Assistant. Prior to joining Caltech, I received my bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in sociology from California State University, San Marcos. After college, I pursued a career as a Financial Aid Advisor at a Cosmetology school in Pasadena and, shortly after, transitioned to an Automotive and Welding school in San Bernardino County. My ultimate career goal would be to stay in higher education and keep progressing in my current field. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 5-month-old daughter, trying new recipes that I find on Pinterest, and baking sourdough bread from start to finish. Someday I would love to set up a booth at a farmers market and sell my sourdough, but for now I will keep baking it for weekly dinners, friends and family.

Graduate Student, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering

Haixu Shen

I'm a 4th year graduate student in Medical Engineering, working with Professor Yu-Chong Tai. My research mainly focuses on translation medical devices, in particular, an affordable and portable stroke sensor for quick stroke detection for home or ambulance settings. In this way, patients can get a quick diagnosis before even arriving at the hospital, which can vastly speed up the treatment and reduce brain damage. I enjoy the multidisciplinary nature of my research, having to learn knowledge from various fields. Outside of research, I like exploring foods from different cultures. I also enjoy playing basketball with my friends.

Lead Systems Engineer, NASA Ames Mission Design Center

Kevin Parkin

Kevin Parkin (MS '00, PhD '06, Aeronautics) is a rocket scientist, inventor, and a visionary transforming sci-fi into reality. Currently the Lead Systems Engineer for the NASA Ames Mission Design Center, Parkin has returned to the place he helped establish in 2007, where he began his career after graduating from Caltech. His career highlights include the invention of the microwave thermal rocket, a breakthrough from his graduate studies at Caltech, which he has further developed through collaborations with NASA and DARPA.

Michelle Armond

Michelle Armond (BS '00, electrical engineering and history) loves being a lawyer. Informed by her Caltech undergraduate training, Armond's two-decade professional journey as an intellectual property litigator is marked by her unique ability to navigate both legal and technical complexity. Five years ago, Armond's career took a bold turn when she and a colleague started their own law firm in 2019, Armond Wilson LLP.

All Spotlights