People Spotlights
All Spotlights
- Graduate Student, Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Yaozhong Shi
I am a fourth-year graduate student in Mechanical Engineering, collaborating with Professor Domniki Asimaki and Zachary E. Ross. My research focuses on understanding the statistics of earthquakes, a task that involves combining domain knowledge, applied mathematics, and machine learning. I am dedicated to developing practical tools for processing earthquake signals, characterizing ground shaking during earthquakes, and unraveling the spatio-temporal distribution of earthquake events. My fascination with earthquakes goes beyond academic interest; I am deeply intrigued by their significant impact on our world. This fascination fuels my commitment to contributing to a safer and more resilient society through my research. Outside the office, my hobbies include hiking and swimming. As I continue my journey at Caltech, I am eager to share my experiences and insights with the community. I look forward to engaging in collaborations, learning from others, and contributing to the rich tapestry of knowledge and innovation at this esteemed institution.
- Undergraduate Student, Environmental Science and Engineering
Tyler Fox
I am a 4th-year undergraduate studying economics, BEM (business, economics, and management), and environmental science and engineering. I am passionate about the intersection of finance and sustainability, and using finance as a tool to drive sustainable development and transition across the globe. In pursuit of this, after Caltech, I will be in New York City working as an investment banking analyst at Guggenheim Securities as part of the Sustainability and Energy Transition Team. At Caltech, I am captain of the women’s water polo team and I am also Fleming House Secretary. In my free time, I love exploring the diverse and beautiful nature California offers from hikes in the San Gabriel mountains to swimming at the beach to exploring national parks like Joshua Tree.
- Graduate Student, Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Jose Rodolfo Chreim
I have been a PhD Student in the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering since September 2020. My research focuses on Computational Fluid Dynamics (development of methods for compressible flows and phase change). I have a background in Aerospace Engineering and Physics, and I have previously worked in consulting for the petroleum and hydro-power industries, developing numerical methods for marine propulsion. My interests are in the overlap of multi-physics, such as fluid-structure interaction, compressible flows, and thermodynamics.
- Undergraduate Student, Computer Science
Ellen Min
I am a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in computer science and minoring in English. I’m interested in creative applications of computer science. Here are some things I’ve worked on over the past few years: creating Python interfaces for an open-source galaxy modeling framework (Carnegie Observatories), mapping groundwater loss in the Central Valley (ArtCenter), and developing a web-based visualization of satellite landing sites (Lunar Trailblazer). I like writing fiction, drawing, painting, and playing Romantic era pieces on the piano. I also cross-enrolled at Occidental College to study critical and queer theory. For a while, I’ve been unsure whether to pursue a career in STEM or in the arts and humanities. This spring, I’ll be exploring my interest in the arts through Caltech Y’s Studenski Award and I am excited to see where things go. In my free time, I like to skateboard, go on drives, and get sweet treats.
- Postdoctoral Scholar, Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Kaiyu Yang
I am a postdoctoral scholar working with Professor Anima Anandkumar. I received my PhD from the Department of Computer Science at Princeton University, advised by Professor Jia Deng. My research focuses on Neurosymbolic AI, which aims to make machine learning capable of symbolic reasoning. I have approached the goal from two angles: (1) applying machine learning to symbolic reasoning tasks, such as mathematical reasoning and theorem proving in formal logic or natural language; (2) introducing symbolic components into machine learning models to make them more interpretable, verifiable, and data efficient. Currently, I'm working on AI that can understand and reason about mathematics. Mathematical reasoning is a critical milestone toward human-level intelligence, and it can potentially transform many important problems in science and engineering, such as solving PDEs and formal verification. My research is recognized with a Siebel Scholar award.
- Postdoctoral Scholar, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering
Elham Davoodi
I am a third-year postdoc in the Gao Lab within the Department of Medical Engineering at Caltech. My research focuses on additive manufacturing, also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, with a specific emphasis on healthcare applications. With a background in 3D printing of various polymers, ceramics, and metals, my primary interest lies in advancing technologies that benefit human health. I am currently working on developing minimally invasive 3D printing technologies, enabling the creation of functional biostructures without direct access to the target location. These cutting-edge techniques hold tremendous potential for various therapeutics. I am enthusiastic about exploring novel modifications to existing 3D printing technologies to unlock further practical applications in the healthcare domain. Beyond my research pursuits, I find joy in practicing the violin, hiking, and painting.