APRIL 17-18, 2015
California Alliance
2nd Annual Retreat
“The Next Generation of Researchers”
PROGRAM AND MAP
California Alliance
2nd Annual Retreat
“The Next Generation of Researchers”
Program
The California Alliance is a partnership between the University of California Berkeley, California Institute of
Technology, Stanford, and the University of California Los Angeles designed to ensure that underrepresented
minority PhD graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from our alliance institutions aspire to and populate
the ranks of the postdoctoral population, the faculty at competitive research and teaching institutions, the federally funded national laboratories, and scientific think tanks. The California Alliance focuses on increasing diversity
in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, and related disciplines.
This retreat is designed to foster the next generation of researchers among our participants, including opportunities to engage with each other, with faculty and mentors, within and across the alliance institutions.
Friday, April 17 Caltech Campus
The Friday program takes place on the Caltech campus. The Poster Session and Reception will be held in
Dabney Gardens and the dinner will take place at Athenaeum. Parking is available in the Cahill parking structure for
$6.00. If you are going directly to the dinner, parking is available at the Athenaeum at 551 South Hill Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106. Please consult the campus map at the end of this program.
Shuttles from the Courtyard Marriott to the Caltech campus begin departing at 2:45pm. Individuals presenting at the
poster session should be on the first shuttle to campus.
4:00–6:00 PM
Poster session and reception (Dabney Gardens)
Welcome on behalf of Caltech:
Professor Joseph Shepherd
C. L. Kelly Johnson Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering
Welcome on behalf of Berkeley:
Professor Mark Richards, Principal Investigator, California Alliance
Earth and Planetary Sciences, Berkeley
Welcome on behalf of UCLA:
Professor Robin Garrell
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division
Welcome on behalf of Stanford:
Professor Page Chamberlain, Environmental Earth System Science
6:15–8:30 PM
Welcome Dinner (Athenaeum)
Welcome from Caltech President:
Thomas F. Rosenbaum
President; Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair; Professor of Physics
6:15–8:30 PM
Opening Keynote Address
Professor Stephen Mayo
Bren Professor of Biology and Chemistry; William K. Bowes Jr. Leadership Chair,
Division of Biology and Biological Engineering
~8:30 PM
Shuttles depart the Athenaeum for the Courtyard Marriott
9:30 PM
Visit to Old Town Pasadena (Meet in hotel lobby)
Visit to local eateries led by Caltech’s Graduate Student Council leaders
Sunita Darbe and Max Lloyd (650) 804-5842
Jake’s of Pasadena
38 West Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91105
King’s Row Gastropub
20 E. Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 793-3010
Saturday, April 18 Caltech Campus
The Saturday program takes place on the Caltech campus at Avery House and Annenberg. The address is 293 S.
Holliston Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106. Parking is free on Saturdays and is available in the Holliston Parking Structure.
Please consult the campus map at the end of this program. Shuttles will depart the Courtyard Marriott for the Caltech
Campus beginning at 7:00 AM with the last shuttle departing at 7:30 AM.
7:30–8:30 AM Networking Breakfast (Avery Dining Hall)
8:30–8:45 AM Opening remarks
Professor Mark Richards, Principal Investigator, California Alliance
Earth and Planetary Sciences, Berkeley
8:50–9:30 AM Student/Postdoc and Faculty Briefings
Students and Postdocs (Avery Dining Hall)
Next Generation Researcher Toolkit
Chair: Prof. Robin Garrell, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Chair: Prof. Melany Hunt, Mechanical Engineering, Caltech
Dr. Annette Angus, Berkeley
Dr. Cassandra Horii, Caltech
Ms. Sarah Valdovinos, UCLA
Faculty and National Lab Researchers (Avery Library)
California Alliance Faculty Briefing
Chair: Prof. Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton, Berkeley
Chair: Prof. Joseph Shepherd, Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, Caltech
Dr. Eva Graham, Caltech
Dr. Colette Patt, Berkeley
Block 1
9:45–10:45 AM Panel Discussions
From Exploration to Discovery to Publication (Annenberg 105)
Panelists and attendees will discuss the process of pursuing research ideas from their early
stages all the way through to publication. Some topics include finding research directions, the “spark” of discover, and the hurdles and strategies for writing and publishing.
Prof. Bil Clemons, Biochemistry, Caltech
Prof. Robert Full, Integrative Biology, Berkeley
Prof. Robin Garrell, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Morteza Gharib, Aeronautics and Bioinspired Engineering, Caltech
Facilitator: Prof. Cindy Weinstein, Caltech
The Academic Faculty Job Search (Annenberg 213)
(repeats at 1:30 PM)
Panelists and attendees will discuss preparation for an academic faculty career pathway. Some topics will include how to prepare in your graduate and/or postdoc program, the application and interview process, and how to stand out as a candidate.
Prof. William Chueh, Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford
Prof. Joseph Rudnick, Physical Sciences, UCLA
Prof. Richmond Sarpong, Chemistry, Berkeley
Prof. Andrew Thompson, Environmental Science and Engineering, Caltech
Facilitator: Dr. Tenea Nelson, Stanford
Getting and Making the Most of your Postdoctoral Fellowship (Annenberg 107)
(repeats at 1:30 PM)
Panelists and attendees will discuss preparation for entering into a postdoctoral fellowship
program. Some topics will include how to plan and prepare for a postdoctoral position, the
decision making process for applying to and accepting a position, and the relative importance of a postdoc for career pathways.
Prof. Page Chamberlain, Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford
Prof. Heather Maynard, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Stephen Mayo, Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech
Prof. Mark Richards, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Berkeley
Facilitator: Ms. Sarah Valdovinos, UCLA
Careers at Competitive Teaching-focused Colleges and Universities (Avery Library)
Panelists and attendees will discuss the culture and career trajectory of competitive
teaching-focused colleges in comparison to research universities. Some topics will include how to gain teaching experience in your graduate or postdoc program, how to build a competitive application, and preparing for the interview process.
Prof. Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, Biology, Scripps College
Prof. Katie Purvis-Roberts, Chemistry and Environmental Science, Pitzer College
Prof. Darryl Yong, Mathematics, Harvey Mudd College
Facilitator: Dr. Lupe Carrillo, Stanford
9:45–10:45 AM Tour of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (Meet at registration)
Tour led by Postdoctoral Scholars Manasadevi P. Thirugnanasambandam and
Katherine Dooley. Participants should meet their tour leader at the registration tables.
The 40-meter laboratory is a fully instrumented gravitational-wave detector that plays a key role in developing and prototyping more complex optical configurations and control systems for Advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory). At the
40-meter laboratory, we also work towards pushing the state of the art techniques in precision measurement and aim at developing a deeper understanding of the limitations on
measurement precision due to the quantum nature of matter and light.
Block 2
11:00–11:45 AM Topical roundtables
Navigating Departmental Culture (Annenberg 347 – 3rd Floor Treehouse)
Every academic department has its own sub-culture, which can be difficult to figure out for new members, but informs decisions and structures. Come discuss ways to learn these cultures and navigate them effectively.
Prof. Melany Hunt, Mechanical Engineering, Caltech
Prof. Harold Monbouquette, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UCLA
Prof. Richmond Sarpong, Chemistry, Berkeley
Facilitator: Mr. Ira Young, Berkeley
Early Career Faculty Work/Life (Annenberg 121)
We’ve all seen how busy early career faculty can be, but how do they successfully balance work with other important aspects of life? Come discuss how colleagues have navigated this
important and potentially highly rewarding phase.
Prof. Hosea Nelson, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Grace O’Connell, Mechanical Engineering, Berkeley
Prof. Veronica Santos, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, UCLA
Facilitator: Dr. Cassandra Horii, Caltech
Coping with the Unexpected (Annenberg 247 – 2nd Floor Treehouse)
Are you wondering how to handle the inevitable bumps in the doctoral and postdoctoral road, such as advisor moves, changing research groups, managing relationships, and other
challenges? Come discuss strategies and approaches with colleagues who have been through these unexpected events.
Prof. Miguel Garcia-Garibay, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Mark Richards, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Berkeley
Prof. Joseph Shepherd, Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, Caltech
Prof. Cindy Weinstein, Humanities and Social Sciences, Caltech
Facilitator: Dr. Annette Angus, Berkeley
Developing Your Research Agenda (Faculty and National Lab) (Annenberg 106)
What are the steps needed to reach research independence? How can you develop
collaborative relationships, choose a long-term research project, and develop productive and effective work habits. Come discuss strategies for setting and developing your research agenda.
Prof. Page Chamberlain, Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford
Prof. Robert Full, Integrative Biology, Berkeley
Prof. Robin Garrell, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Andrew Thompson, Environmental Science and Engineering, Caltech
Facilitator: Dr. Colette Patt, Berkeley
11:00–11:45 AM Becoming a Mentor (Annenberg 243)
Transitioning from research mentee to mentor, whether as a postdoc, faculty member, or research scientist, can involve new dimensions of your identity and how you approach your work. Come discuss how colleagues have made this transition in their own work.
Prof. William Chueh, Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford
Prof. Richard Murray, Control and Dynamical Systems and Bioengineering, Caltech
Prof. Carlos Grijalva, UCLA
Prof. Aradha Tripati, Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences; Earth, Planetary, & Space Sciences, UCLA
Facilitator: Dr. Lupe Carrillo, Stanford
Positive Thinking about Cultural Experiences
(Annenberg 240 – 2nd Floor Stairway Lounge)
How have your experiences positively honed your skills as a scientist, engineer or
mathematician? Come discuss your experiences and how to focus on strengths and positive personal outcomes.
Prof. Bil Clemons, Biochemistry, Caltech
Prof. Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton, Berkeley
Facilitator: Dr. Eva Graham, Caltech
Tour of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) (Meet at registration)
Tour led by Postdoctoral Scholar Slobodan Mitrovic. Participants should meet their tour leader at the registration tables.
The Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis ( JCAP) is the nation’s largest research program dedicated to the development of an artificial solar-fuels generation technology. JCAP’s
mission is to develop a manufacturable solar-fuels generator, made of Earth-abundant
elements, that will use only sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide as inputs, and will robustly produce fuel from the sun ten times more efficiently than current crops. Such an achievement would minimize trade-offs between food and fuel, would allow for installation of the systems in a diverse range of sites and environments, and would provide the direct production of a useful chemical fuel from the sun.
11:45–1:15 PM Working Lunch (Avery Dining Hall)
Keynote: Dr. Shirley Malcom, head of Education and Human Resources Programs
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Block 3
1:30–2:30 PM
Panel Discussions
The Academic Faculty Job Search (Annenberg 105)
Panelists and attendees will discuss preparation for an academic faculty career pathway. Some topics will include how to prepare in your graduate and/or postdoc program, the application and interview process, and how to stand out as a candidate.
Prof. Mathieu Desbrun, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Caltech
Prof. Miguel Garcia-Garibay, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Sossina Haile, Materials Science and Engineering, Caltech
Prof. Grace O’Connell, Mechanical Engineering, Berkeley
Prof. Veronica Santos, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, UCLA
Facilitator: Dr. Cassandra Horii, Caltech
Getting and Making the Most of your Postdoctoral Fellowship (Avery Library)
Panelists and attendees will discuss preparation for entering into a postdoctoral fellowship
program. Some topics will include how to plan and prepare for a postdoctoral position, the
decision making process for applying to and accepting a position, and the relative importance of a postdoc for career pathways.
Prof. Page Chamberlain, Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford
Prof. Hosea Nelson, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Richmond Sarpong, Chemistry, Berkeley
Prof. Andrew Thompson, Environmental Science and Engineering, Caltech
Facilitator: Dr. Annette Angus, Berkeley
Grants and Funding in Research Universities (Annenberg 107)
Panelists and attendees will discuss strategies and skills that future faculty need to
successfully apply and receive funding at a research university. Some topics will include
preparing a proposal, setting goals and objectives, writing the proposal, and tips for submitting a successful proposal.
Prof. William Chueh, Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford
Prof. Robert Full, Integrative Biology, Berkeley
Prof. Joseph Rudnick, Physical Sciences, UCLA
Prof. Joseph Shepherd, Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, Caltech
Facilitator: Ms. Sarah Valdovinos, UCLA
Research Careers in National Labs (Annenberg 213)
Panelists and attendees will address aspects of their experience joining and working in national lab environments. Some topics will include factors influencing decisions to pursue national lab appointments, the hiring process, the culture and work environment, and differences from academic careers.
Dr. Charles Norton, Program Manager and Principal Technologist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Dr. Patricia M. Pacheco, Systems Research and Analysis, Sandia National Laboratories
Dr. Powtawche Valerino, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Dr. Cinzia Zuffada, Associate Chief Scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Facilitator: Dr. Eva Graham, Caltech
1:30–2:30 PM
Tour of the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (Meet at Registration tables)
Participants should meet their tour leader at the registration tables.
The Vahala Research Group is dedicated to the science of optical micro-resonators. The increasingly long energy-storage times and small form factors that characterize ultra-high-Q (UHQ) resonators enable access to an amazingly wide range of nonlinear phenomena and
creation of laser devices with remarkable properties. Dr. Vahala’s group explores UHQ physics, investigates applications, and creates integrated UHQ systems.
Block 4
2:45–3:30 PM Roundtables by Discipline
Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Biological Focus (Avery Library)
Prof. Robin Garrell, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Harold Monbouquette, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UCLA
Facilitator: Dr. Annette Angus, Berkeley
Bioengineering (Annenberg 121)
Prof. Robert Full, Integrative Biology, Berkeley
Prof. Richard Murray, Control and Dynamical Systems and Bioengineering, Caltech
Prof. Grace O’Connell, Mechanical Engineering, Berkeley
Facilitator: Dr. Tenea Nelson, Stanford
Chemistry: Materials, Synthesis, Physical, & Other (Annenberg 106)
Prof. Miguel Garcia-Garibay, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Hosea Nelson, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Prof. Richmond Sarpong, Chemistry, Berkeley
Facilitator: Dr. Lupe Carrillo, Stanford
Mechanical and Civil Engineering (Annenberg 107)
Prof. Melany Hunt, Mechanical Engineering, Caltech
Dr. Patricia M. Pacheco, Systems Research and Analysis, Sandia National Laboratories
Prof. Veronica Santos, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, UCLA
Facilitator: Ms. Martina Lasich, UCLA
Aerospace (Annenberg 213)
Prof. Joseph Shepherd, Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, Caltech
Dr. Powtawche Valerino, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Facilitator: Ms. Martha Escalera, Stanford
Electrical Engineering and Computer/Computational Sciences (Annenberg 243)
Prof. Mathieu Desbrun, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Caltech
Dr. Charles Norton, Program Manager and Principal Technologist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Facilitator: Ms. Beverly Yanuaria, UCLA
Materials Science & Engineering (Annenberg 247 – 2nd Floor Treehouse)
Prof. William Chueh, Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford
Facilitator: Ms. Sarah Valdovinos, UCLA
2:45–3:30 PM
Biochemistry (Annenberg 347 – 3rd Floor Treehouse)
Prof. Bil Clemons, Biochemistry, Caltech
Prof. Heather Maynard, Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA
Facilitator: Mr. Ira Young, Berkeley
Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy
(Annenberg 240 – 2nd Floor Stairway Lounge East End)
Prof. Joseph Rudnick, Physical Sciences, UCLA Dr. Nabin Malakar, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Facilitator: Dr. Eva Graham, Caltech
Environmental, Earth Systems, Geological Sciences
(Annenberg 240 – 2nd Floor Stairway Lounge West End)
Prof. Page Chamberlain, Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford
Prof. Mark Richards, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Berkeley
Prof. Aradha Tripati, Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences;
Earth, Planetary, & Space Sciences, UCLA
Prof. Andrew Thompson, Environmental Science and Engineering, Caltech
Dr. Cinzia Zuffada, Associate Chief Scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Facilitator: Dr. Cassandra Horii, Caltech
3:30–5:00 PM
Reception and Networking (Avery Patio)
Remarks:
Professor Joseph Shepherd, Caltech
C. L. Kelly Johnson Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering
Professor Mark Richards, Berkeley
Earth and Planetary Science
Professor Robin Garrell, UCLA
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate Division
Professor Page Chamberlain, Stanford
Environmental Earth System Science
Individual connections
During this time, faculty and professional scientists will be located at the tables in the court
yard, with signs posted according to disciplines. Please take this time to connect with anyone you’d like to talk with and have not yet had the opportunity to engage. If there are several
students who wish to speak with a faculty member/scientist, please move on after
approximately 10 minutes. Consider this the beginning of a conversation that will
continue–feel free to exchange contact information and follow up after the retreat.
3:45 PM
Tour of Robert Grubbs lab (Meet at registration)
Tour led by Postdoctoral Scholar Pablo Guzman. Participants should meet their tour leader at the registration tables.
The Grubbs Lab conducts research in organometallic synthesis and mechanisms, with
particular attention to developing catalysts for ring closing metathesis (RCM) and ring
opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) which can operate under a broad variety of
functional group environments and reagent conditions. The lab makes use of Caltech’s new Center for Catalysis and Synthesis for rapid screening of new catalyst systems. The work is interdisciplinary, spanning organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and polymer chemistry.