ENGenuity Issue 4: Summer 2023
Professor has pioneered nonlinear optics in high-Q optical micro resonators. His research group has launched many of the areas of study in this field and invented optical resonators that hold the record for highest optical Q on a semiconductor chip. Vahala was also involved in the early effort to develop quantum-well lasers for optical communications, which formed the basis for nearly all of today's high-speed semiconductor laser design for lightwave high-speed telecommunications. He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2020.
EAS Community, Alumni, and Friends,
I hope this Summer 2023 issue finds you well and fosters a sense of connection for you with Techers past and present, as it does for me. I am excited to learn about the news and happenings from Steve, Stefan, Lan, and Peter, some of whom I knew well as students. I am also honored to celebrate the achievements of faculty colleagues and friends Kerry Vahala, Ravi Ravichandran, and Alireza Marandi – as well as my good friend and colleague Nader Engheta (MS '79, PhD '82) of the University of Pennsylvania. Indeed, given Caltech's small size, the ties we forged on campus and continue to expand upon now through ENGenuity form a web of personal connection that enriches all of us.
Harry Atwater
Otis Booth Leadership Chair, Division of Engineering and Applied Science
From industry to academia, and Cambridge, Massachusetts to Cambridge, England, the remarkable individuals of the EAS class of 2023 are prepared to make a significant impact in various realms, as well as further their education in PhD and postdoctoral programs. ENGenuity spoke with nine exceptional students, both graduates and undergraduates from various departments, to learn about their next steps after Caltech and the motivations behind their choices. Launch the story.
Steve Schell serves as the chief scientist for solar energy company Heliogen, but his interests are not exclusive to our solar system (or our universe).
Read more.
Stefan Maier has established a strong track record in community building and his mentorship has had a global academic impact. Read more.
From fearlessly entering new fields of science to her passion for science fiction, Lan Yang continues to pursue the unknown and grow the science community. Read more.
Peter Hung's journey in science has taken him from the Science Olympiad competition to The Aerospace Corporation, where he currently serves as a technology portfolio manager. Read more.