CaltechLive

01/26/2021

Meet Cecilia Sanders! Graduate Student in Geobiology and speaker for our next Science Journey!

A Science Journey with Cecilia Sanders
"Beyond Bones: Reading the Fossil Record of Earth and Other Worlds"
Friday, February 5 at 10 a.m. PT
RSVP here: http://bit.ly/sjfossilrecord

Cecilia Sanders is a PhD candidate in geobiology at Caltech, where she studies the geologic record for information about lifeforms on ancient Earth. This is an extension of her previous work as a Masters' student of planetary sciences, when she was intrigued by the preservation problem: how do living things impact the world around them in a way that is preserved in rocks for millions to billions of years?

Cecilia tries to answer these questions by measuring and sampling assemblages of ancient, sedimentary rock, and by creating models of the ancient world using living organisms in the laboratory. Her work has taken her to Brazil, Namibia, Turks and Caicos, all over the southwestern United States, and even back home to the fossiliferous cliffs of Maryland/DC.

When she isn't doing research, she teaches science to Kindergarten, 1st-, and 2nd-graders in Pasadena Unified schools and is a community activist for racial justice. She loves to paint, to read fantasy novels, and to run tabletop role playing games for her family and friends. Her favorite foods are bolinhos do chuva and doce do leite.

01/25/2021

“Dr. Aaron McDuffie Moore is a legend. Or he should be. If Dr. Moore had simply been the first black physician in Durham, North Carolina, that would have been a sufficient accolade to go down in history. However, he was much more. He was a cofounder of practically every substantial institution in Durham's African American community at the turn of the twentieth century and a key figure in the development of its famed Black Wall Street. Most of these institutions still exist today. Blake Hill-Saya has done us all a great service by capturing Dr. Moore's incredible story for future generations.”—Henry C. McKoy Jr., Lead Entrepreneurship Faculty and Director of Entrepreneurship at North Carolina Central University School of Business

Behind the Book: Blake Hill-Saya
February 1, 5 p.m. PT
RSVP here: https://events.caltech.edu/btb_blake

01/15/2021

Coming soon! Do you have your ticket?

Directed by Caltech Theater’s Brian Brophy, Socially Unacceptable follows three Facebook content moderators who are hired to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeling lucky to have a job, these new employees spend their days in a virtual world, Zoom conferencing with teammates for full workdays.

As they screen the site's most violent and offensive posts, these content moderators begin to deal with the dangerous psychological effects of the job, and their lives become increasingly interconnected both on screen and off.

The internet reflects all of humanity. It’s a place of joy and connection, charity and progress. However, like the real world, it has those dark sides too. Sometimes we stumble onto them and stumble back out in horror. Yet, it’s okay. We click “Report.” We sweep the horror under the rug. We return to our bubble; to safety.

But who handles those reports? Whose job is it to keep the revolting at bay? With Congress and the United Nations pushing back on fully automated moderation, Facebook has turned to human moderators. In Socially Unacceptable playwright Steinberg shows us five characters: the idealistic dreamer, the ambitious recruit, the easy-going confidant, the frustrated expert, and the manager just trying to hold it all together. Together they face the worst the internet has to offer—that which is completely socially unacceptable.

Socially Unacceptable explores the growing conflicts between big tech and health, and the cost at which our digital world looks the way it does.

The cast includes Caltech undergrads Winter Pearson ’23, Tanmay Gupta ’24, Joy Liu ’24, Emily Choe ’24 and Betty Wang ’21.

Socially Unacceptable will run for 3 performances Thursday January 21, Friday January 22 and Saturday January 23 2021 at 5pm PST.

Admission is $5 for students, $10 for JPL/Caltech employees and $20 for everyone else.

Let’s hope the moderators survive.

For more information please visit tacit.caltech.edu.

01/14/2021

Have you reserved your spot for Friday’s Science Journey with Dustin Morris?

If not, you can do so here > http://bit.ly/sjclimatechange

Let's learn about how geologists unravel the climate history of our planet and how that helps us respond to climate change today.

*Recommended for grades 8 and up, but everyone is welcome to attend.*

01/13/2021

TOMORROW you can learn about space and origami!

von Kármán Lecture - Spacecraft Origami
Thursday, January 14, 2021
7:00pm to 8:30pm Pacific Time

For years, engineers have had to deal with "the tyranny of the fairing," that anything you want to send into space has to fit into a rocket bearing. A field of advanced design has been looking for new ways to improve our engineering, using the centuries-old artform to dream bigger.

Host:
Brian White, Public Services Office, NASA/JPL

Co-Host:
Thalia Rivera, Public Outreach Specialist, NASA/JPL

Speaker(s):
Manan Arya, Technologist, NASA/JPL
Lizbeth B. De La Torre, Creative Technologist, NASA/JPL

01/11/2021

Watson Lecture - Artificial Intelligence: How it Works and What it Means for the Future

Don't forget to register for Wednesday night's Watson Lecture on Artificial Intelligence! Starts at 5 p.m. Pacific Time and is followed by a live Q & A with Yisong Yue, Professor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Caltech.

https://events.caltech.edu/calendar/watson-lecture-2021-01

Over the past decade, artificial intelligence and the massive amounts of data powering such systems have dramatically changed our world. And as both the technology and the way in which scientists and engineers handle it becomes more refined, the impact of AI in society will become more profound. In....

01/09/2021

At our next Science Journey lecture, Caltech graduate student Dustin Morris will explain how Earth's climate functions and how it was pushed to the extreme millions of years ago during a time known as "Snowball Earth." RSVP and learn with us!

http://bit.ly/sjclimatechange
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Friday, January 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time⁠
⁠
And who is Dustin Morris? ⁠
⁠
Dustin Morris is a PhD candidate in geology at Caltech, where he uses the rock record to study extreme changes in Earth's past climate. Our planet's climate is dynamic, having changed in various ways throughout its long history. By studying these past climate changes, Dustin hopes we can better understand Earth's climate overall, along with its impact on sea level and the evolution of life. Hopefully this work can help us better understand and tackle our current climate crisis caused by human activity. To conduct this work, Dustin travels to Namibia to study the sedimentary rocks that record the end of the Snowball Earth event, one of the most extreme climate transitions in Earth's history.⁠
⁠
Beyond research, Dustin works to teach others the wonders of Earth history and geology with various outreach events in order to help spark curiosity and to build an inclusive and diverse community within the sciences. He relishes exploring of all kinds, loves to travel, and finds adventures in the outdoors, as well as in fantasy worlds by reading novels and playing tabletop role-playing games.⁠
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#STEM

01/08/2021

Interested in Artificial Intelligence? If so - check out our next Watson Lecture!

Yisong Yue, Professor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, will explore the key principles powering the current revolution in AI, consider how cutting-edge AI techniques are transforming the way research is done across science and engineering at Caltech, and what it means for the future of material design, robotics, and big data seismology, among other areas of investigation.

January 13, 2021 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time
Register here > http://bit.ly/WatsonLectureAI

12/21/2020

Are you signed up for our email list? If not, join us! It's a great way to find out about our upcoming virtual events. We have a lot of goodness in store for 2021!

Sign up here: https://events.caltech.edu/contact/email

And for a taste ... here is the December Newsletter: https://bit.ly/DecemberPPN

Wishing you all well this holiday season.

(This 'festive' image, from the lab of Caltech’s Yuki Oka, is actually a map of a mouse’s brain responding to feeling thirsty. Credit: Caltech)

12/18/2020

How does Earth's climate really work? Why does the climate change, and what does CO2 have to do with it? What are the extreme limits of Earth's climate?

Let's find out at our next Science Journey with Dustin Morris!

Snowballs in the Desert: Studying Climate Transitions in Earth's Deep Past
Friday, January 15, at 10 a.m.
Register here > http://bit.ly/sjclimatechange

Science Journeys online programs are recommended for grades 8 and up, but everyone is welcome to attend.

12/17/2020

"Beyond the Impossible" Trailer

W. M. Keck Observatoryy invites you to a virtual screening of “Beyond the Impossible.”

Thursday December 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Hawaii Time
Join by Zoom: bit.ly/keck-film

This short film is a sequel to “The Impossible Telescope,” a documentary released last year commemorating the legacy of Jerry Nelson, known as the “Father of the Keck Observatory Telescopes,” who pioneered the 10-meter segmented design of the primary mirrors that make up the heart of our Keck I and Keck II telescopes.

This new documentary picks up the story after the twin telescopes were built, and chronicles the exciting discoveries that catapulted Keck Observatory into becoming the most scientifically impactful optical/infrared ground-based observatory on the planet. Please join us!

WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER
and catch up on the first film here > https://vimeo.com/341452203

This is ""Beyond the Impossible" Trailer" by Keck Observatory on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

12/17/2020

Caltech Public Programming is excited to announce our new series, Behind the Book. Join us in conversation with authors who explore the intersection of arts, science, and society through the lens of their family histories.

These events will be free to attend; reservations open!

More info here > https://events.caltech.edu/series/behind_the_book

Make reservation here > https://events.caltech.edu/series/behind_the_book/blake-hill-saya#make-a-free-reservation

12/17/2020

We loved having Naturally 7 perform for CaltechLive! And we can't wait to have them back. In the mean time... let's enjoy their Christmas Special!

As always, they create the sound of every instrument using only their voices.

This Saturday, December 19 at 6 p.m. PT

Reserve your tickets here: https://www.stellartickets.com/events/core-entertainment--2/naturally-7-christmas-special

12/16/2020

Interested in Artificial Intelligence? How it works and what it means for the future? If so, we recommend putting January 13, 2021 on your calendar. Our next Watson Lecture is for you!

www.caltech.edu/watson

12/15/2020

Naturally 7 Christmas Concert! Saturday, December 19!

Friends and Fans! Remember when Naturally 7 performed in Caltech Beckman Auditorium?! Well, they are doing a holiday concert! And we thought you'd want to know all about it.

Naturally 7 is bringing the holiday spirit to your home with this one-of-a-kind virtual performance. Naturally 7 is known as one of the most innovative and exciting groups touring the world today, with their unique Vocal Play style, where they create the sound of every instrument using only their voices. Now, they bring that same innovation and creativity to the virtual world, performing Christmas classics in a virtual setting like you've never seen before!

Performance Length: Approx. 75 Minutes

VIP Tickets Include:
- Christmas After Party LIVE with Members of Naturally 7 on Sunday 12/20 at 3 PM EST
- Naturally 7 Paper Doll Christmas Ornament
- EXCLUSIVE TRAILER for the 2020 Year In Review Virtual Concert
- Code for a FREE MASK at the Naturally 7 Merch Store

Reserve your ticket here: https://www.stellartickets.com/events/core-entertainment--2/naturally-7-christmas-special?aff=beckmanauditorium

12/14/2020

SAVE THE DATE! January 14, 2021! 7 p.m.

Spacecraft Origami
A von Kármán Lecture

For years, engineers have had to deal with "the tyranny of the faring": anything you want to send into space has to fit into a rocket bearing. A field of advanced design has been looking for new ways to advance our engineering, using the centuries old artform to dream bigger.

YouTube link coming soon.

12/10/2020

Every discovery begins with a combination of curiosity and inspiration. Don't miss this chance to interact with the Caltech scientific "stars" of tomorrow as they explore the wonder of science and nature.

A Science Journey with Michael Mazza
"From Pencil Lead to Skyscrapers: Building the Future with Carbon Nanomaterials"
Friday, December 11 at 10 a.m.
RSVP > http://bit.ly/sjnanomaterials

This online program is recommended for grades 8 and up, but everyone is welcome to attend.

Science Journey lectures are FREE through the generosity of the Friends of Beckman Auditorium.

12/09/2020

Watson Lecture on December 9: David Anderson Explores "The Inner Life of the Brain: Fear, Sex, and Violence"

Tonight! David J. Anderson, Caltech's Seymour Benzer Professor of Biology, continues the 2020–2021 Watson Lecture season by exploring "The Inner Life of the Brain: Fear, Sex, and Violence."

Register and join us at 5 p.m. See you soon!

How can we study an animal's internal state when we do not know if it has subjective feelings? In this lecture, Anderson will describe a new approach to this problem.

12/08/2020

We're excited to take A Science Journey with Michael Mazza this Friday! And here are a few questions to wonder about in advance...

How many nanometers are in a meter?
How does a pencil leave marks on paper?
Some companies already use graphene in their products. What are these products?

To RSVP for this lecture and to ask Michael Mazza your own questions, visit: http://bit.ly/sjnanomaterials

12/07/2020

Watson Lecture - The Inner Life of the Brain: Fear, Sex, and Violence

Have you registered for the next Watson Lecture?

Behaviors that are fundamental to animal survival, such as mating and the fight-or-flight response, are driven by internal emotional states. In humans, these brain states are subjectively experienced as "feelings," such as desire, rage, or terror. Understanding the brain mechanisms that govern these...

12/03/2020

Tomorrow! Theater Arts at Caltech presents a virtual showcase of four storytellers sharing their passion for science with our Caltech community.

This event is free and open to the public.

Storytelling for Scientists Final
Dec 4, 2020 05:00 PM PST
https://caltech.zoom.us/j/2683125966
Meeting ID: 268 312 5966

11/25/2020

A Southern-style biscuit recipe with Caltech’s Tom Mannion

Last minute recipe help! A Southern-style biscuit recipe with Caltech’s Tom Mannion. 😋

https://youtu.be/DSHnri5rm74

For more than 25 years, Tom Mannion, Senior Director, Student Activities and Programs, has guided the residents of Caltech’s student houses through the proce...

11/25/2020

What will the buildings and electronics of the future look like? How can some of the strongest materials ever made also be the lightest?

Let's find out! Join us for A Science Journey with Michael Mazza!

"From Pencil Lead to Skyscrapers: Building the Future with Carbon Nanomaterials"
Friday, December 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time

RSVP here > http://bit.ly/sjnanomaterials #STEM

11/23/2020

A Science Journey with Salvador Gomez - Fluid Dynamics: From Disturbances to Turbulence

ICYMI: Here is the recording of "A Science Journey with Salvador Gomez - Fluid Dynamics: From Disturbances to Turbulence."

Watch here: https://youtu.be/tM2rkdX7r8Q

And you can still submit a question for Salvador Gomez, here: http://bit.ly/sjfluiddynamics

*We'll send the submitted questions to Salvador, and publish his answers on Science Journeys website within three days after the event. (By Nov. 25)*

Learn more at https://events.caltech.edu/fluiddynamics Salvador Gomez grew up in Hayward, California, just south of Oakland in the Bay Area. He became the fi...

11/19/2020

A New Take - Pasadena Weekly

Great article in Pasadena Weekly about Blood/Sugar by Diana Wyenn. Have a read! Then get your ticket. :)

"With her show, Diana Wyenn wants to dispel the misunderstanding and mysteries that surround diabetes and be very honest." -Pasadena Weekly

Tickets available here > events.caltech.edu/bloodsugar

Diana Wyenn pivots with ‘Blood/Sugar’ in times of COVID-19 By Jana Monji Diana Wyenn vividly recalls the spring of 2004. “I was a college student; I was invincible,” she said, and then the universe proved her wrong but universal health care saved her. Her one-woman show, “Blood/Sugar” ha...

11/19/2020

Have you reserved your virtual seat for our next Science Journey??

If not, do so here > http://bit.ly/sjfluiddynamics
Let's learn together!

Fluid Dynamics: From Disturbances to Turbulence
Speaker: Salvador Gomez, Graduate Student in Aerospace
TOMORROW - Friday, November 20, 10 a.m. PT

And here is more about our speaker!

Salvador Gomez grew up in Hayward, California, just south of Oakland in the Bay Area. He became the first in his family to ever go to college when he went to school at UC Berkeley to study mechanical engineering. At Berkeley, Salvador got the chance to teach middle and high school students at summer camps and teach college students in the club Hispanic Engineers & Scientists during the winters. His interest in teaching, along with the exciting possibilities in research, led Salvador to apply to Caltech for a PhD in Aeronautics.