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Read the winter edition of our newsletter here.

This summer, I attended the Nonproliferation and International Safeguards Summer Course at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, WA, thanks to the Caltech Y Advocating for Change Together (ACT) Award. It was an intense learning experience and a first step for me in the nuclear energy world. I entered the program thinking that safeguards were all about keeping radioactive material safe from theft or ensuring that nuclear material doesn’t leak into the surrounding environment. In reality, safeguards are recognized internationally as nonproliferation efforts aimed at preventing states which do not already have a nuclear weapon from diverting material from a civilian nuclear energy program to make one. Learning about nonproliferation is complex and frustrating. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the main world agency in charge of enforcing safeguards, derives most of its power from the voluntary cooperation of states. States that do not wish to cooperate may simply choose not to. Enforcement of nonproliferation on the international stage is also limited and uneven. The 1970 treaty regulating safeguards came after the permanent members of the UN Security Council (US, Russia, UK, France, China) had acquired nuclear weapons and these are the only states recognized by the treaty as “Nuclear Weapons States.” Countries that developed nuclear weapons programs after 1970, like India and Pakistan, would have to abandon and dismantle their nuclear weapons programs if they were ever to join the treaty. It was an opportunity to learn about the current state of nuclear energy in the world, how people in the field envision its future, and a chance to understand how science, technology, and policy can work hand in hand to build a more peaceful world. However, the work done at the IAEA represents a true hope for international cooperation. It is a gathering of experts who very rarely get to meet: American and Soviet nuclear experts during the Cold War, Americans and Iranians nowadays. They all strive to make the world a safer place, yet never infringe on the "inalienable right [...] to develop research, production and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes"[1]. [endif]--During my week at PNNL, I discovered many aspects of their work. I learned how safeguards are implemented using extremely accurate tools with enticing names (e.g. electrically cooled germanium system, improved Cherenkov radiation viewing device, high-level neutron-coincidence counter, etc.). A simpler tool that has become universally adopted at the IAEA is the environmental sampling - taking swabs and samples of the surrounding surfaces and ground. As one former IAEA inspector put it, "I could put a pellet of uranium on a table for 5 seconds, take it away and come back in a few years, and environmental sampling could still tell me what the enrichment level of that pellet was." ![endif]-- Measuring the radiation emitted from a box containing fire detectors (whose Americium 241 content gives off a recognizable signature on the handheld detector) and fragments of plutonium at the bottom. Looking ahead, many technologies promise to change the nuclear world. A major one is additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing-like techniques can lower the barrier for entry in nuclear research, but also into nuclear weapons). To address these new challenges, the IAEA relies on the technical creativity of its employees, but also the world at large. It routinely sets up crowdsourcing challenges to find solutions to its modern problems using image analysis, data mining, and network security. Potentially, data science and machine learning (searching satellite photos and sourcing the Internet) could become the greatest tool in the IAEA's toolbox. Control room of the B Reactor at Hanford Nuclear site. All in all, this program was an eye-opening experience. It was an opportunity to learn about the current state of nuclear energy in the world, how people in the field envision its future, and a chance to understand how science, technology, and policy can work hand in hand to build a more peaceful world. The Caltech Y challenges students to grow into responsible citizens of the world. It is with this mission in mind that the Y created the Advocating Change Together (ACT) Award providing motivated Caltech students with a unique opportunity to learn about themselves and their place in society by seeking to impact the world through community engagement, activism and leadership. The ACT Award is generously funded by the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union.

Keeping tradition alive, 37 students signaled the end of their summer and kicked off their Caltech adventure on the Y-Hike Pre-Orientation Adventure Trip. The venue for this year’s Y-Hike, organized and led by current Caltech students, was one of the most spectacular places on the planet - Yosemite National Park. A little over half of the participants chose to camp in and hike from the valley, while the others were divided into two small groups for some wilderness backpacking before joining the larger group back in the valley for the remainder of the trip. As in the past, the Y-Hike included new and returning students, undergraduate and graduate students, women and men, and a full range of skill levels, from the novice to the seasoned adventurer. As the camping group headed for Upper Pines Campground, the backpackers broke off towards Tuolumne Meadows for two days in the wilderness, where one tackled the Ten Lakes Trail and the other followed Porcupine Creek to North Dome. From the valley, the campers did Columbia Rock on the way to Upper Yosemite Falls, checked out the Sequoias on the hike to Tuolumne Grove, explored Tuolumne Meadows, and hit short hikes, including Lower Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake. Once the group was back together again it was on to one of the most iconic hikes in the valley – the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The nights were filled with campfires, s’mores, and looking at stars. Many story worthy adventures were had before the early morning pack-up and drive back to Caltech for the start of Orientation. The adventurers returned with friends and a shared experience, ready to face the challenges and rewards of the year ahead. Back on campus, the Y-Outdoors leaders organized opportunities to get students off campus and back into the beauty of nature on day hikes, and held an Adventure 101 Lunch Talk that provided an overview of great hiking options in the greater LA Area. Twenty-seven people gathered to learn more about great hiking trails, as well as tips and resources for adventuring on their own, while others chose one of the guided day trips organized by our leaders. 19 hikers jumped on our first trip of the term to Ice House Canyon. The challenging hike to the summit of Timber Mountain had great views that made the effort worthwhile. In November, some students headed for the summit of Mt. Islip at just over 8,000 feet and others hiked the ocean side Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook. Once again, the steep hike to Mt Islip required effort, but it also offered the nine participants a great chance to get some cooler weather and a change of foliage. Gentle ocean breezes awaited the 14 trekking to Los Liones on a more relaxed hike. The weekend after finals, 10 explorers eyed the starry skies and expansive desert beauty on the Joshua Tree National Park Camping Trip. The trip offered plenty of opportunities to explore, including hikes to Mount Ryan and Willow Hole, sightings of bighorn sheep, hares, and roadrunners, and two nights camping at Cottonwood Campground. The Geminin meteor shower also provided a fantastic night time spectacle, which was some adventurers’ first views of the Milky Way and shooting stars.

The Caltech Y Board of Directors welcomes three new members who began their board terms this past October. We are thrilled to welcome Lee Fisher, Susan Murakami, and Mary Wahl. Lee Fisher: Lee is a familiar face in the Caltech community. He is an alum and received his BS from Caltech in Electrical Engineering. He returns to the Caltech Y board after a few years off, but has remained involved with the Y and with other campus organizations and activities during that time. Susan Murakami: Susan is also a familiar face to many students on campus. She earned her BS from Caltech in Biology. Susan enjoys interacting with students as a volunteer with the SURF Program and Tom Mannion’s cooking class, in addition to the Caltech Y. Susan is also active with the Gnome Club, the Caltech Associates, and the Alumni Association. Mary Wahl: Mary graduated from Caltech with a degree in Biology. As a student, Mary volunteered with the Rise Program and again became involved with Rise when she returned to the Pasadena area a few years ago. Mary is also involved with the Alumni Association and the Gnome Club.

United Way Campaign The Caltech United Way campaign has come to a close, and we want to thank all the Caltech staff and faculty for your participation and investment in our students and community. Your generosity and dedication means that we were able to once again help our students in making a world of difference! Caltech will match all donation made through the campaign, so your donations will have double the impact. Thank you again for your continued support and for being a part of Caltech Y family! Giving Tuesday #givingtuesday was a huge success. Not only did we meet our goal for the day, we almost doubled it. Thank you! We couldn’t do what we do without YOU!

On Dec 3, 2019, we had the honor of having Professor Jonas Peters as our Fall Friends Dinner speaker, where he inspired our audience with his vision for a sustainable future for our planet. We have uploaded photos from the evening in this Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJPBWYg We would like to thank our sponsors, the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union, TIAA, and Enterprise, for their support of this event! Our next Friends Dinner, "From Polymers to Proteins to Provost: Changing Perspectives on Academic Life at Caltech and Other Places," will be held on Thursday, February 13th, 2020 and will feature Caltech's Provost, Professor David Tirrell. Click here for more information and registration. We hope to see all of our Friends there!

The Lucy Guernsey Service Award is given in honor of Lucy Guernsey, the Caltech Y Executive Director from 1989-1991, in recognition of her leadership, dedication to students, and diligence in furthering the Y’s commitment to volunteerism. The selection criteria for the award include exceptional service to the Y and the community, involvement with on- and off-campus service projects, and leadership in community and volunteer service efforts. In 2019, we selected three graduate students to receive the Lucy Guernsey Service Award. Sarah Sam, Stephanie Threatt, and Kyle Virgil were chosen for their exceptional work tutoring and mentoring students in the Rise Program and for their outstanding “STEMonstrations” at local Pasadena schools. As members of Black Scientists and Engineers of Caltech (BSEC), Sarah, Stephanie, and Kyle partnered with the Center for Diversity to host “STEMonstrations.” They visited Pasadena schools in their custom black lab coats and blew the students minds with their elaborate demos. Their first demo at Muir High School featured liquid nitrogen, electrodes to control fellow classmates’ arm movements, and a color fountain. You’ve never heard high school students having so much fun with science. They were laughing hysterically. This is one example of how Sarah, Stephanie, and Kyle contribute to the community and promote diversity in the sciences. Check out a video of Sarah, Stephanie, and Kyle in action and see why they are so deserving of this award!

In light of a growing crisis of housing and homelessness in the LA area and beyond, the Student Activism Speaker Series (SASS) Committee chose to focus on the issue in a series of talks from a variety of perspectives. Kicking off the series and the term, journalist Liam Dillon provided an overview of the California housing crisis. Charged with covering housing affordability and neighborhood change across California for the LA Times, Dillon was uniquely qualified to provide an in-depth view of the crisis and various causes of the state’s housing problems. Fifty-two people joined the lunch discussion, with a number staying after for questions to hear his expert analysis. The series continued a little closer to home with the Socialists of Caltech, who have been exploring and engaging in the cause in the Pasadena area, and focused on Pasadena housing, tenant justice, rent control, and just cause for eviction. The lunch talk drew 49 people to hear about how other students at Caltech are taking steps to make a difference in the community. Closing out the series for the term, SASS invited Sean McKenna, a Caltech alumnus, to speak about his year spent researching the California housing crisis. Since graduating, Sean has been working as a researcher at RAND, tackling societal issues in urban policy and economic policy by applying quantitative analytical methods. In 2019, as one of the two recipients of Caltech’s inaugural Milton and Rosalind Chang Career Exploration Prize, Sean McKenna spent nine months traveling in California and researching the housing crisis. He interacted with housing developers, housing service providers, policymakers, political action groups, and the citizens of California to learn about the causes, impacts, and solutions to the housing crisis. He provided an in-depth analysis of the politics and economics underlying the crisis to the 55 attendees, as well as his insights into ways to address the problem. Stepping away from the issues of housing and homelessness, SASS hosted graduate students Reina Buenconsejo and Sarah Cohen to share their science policy experiences and other opportunities in Washington D.C. with 25 interested attendees. Reina spent three years between undergrad and graduate school as a Science Policy Fellow for the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), a federally-funded research and development center that provides technical expertise and policy analysis to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and other science-conducting agencies of the federal government. Sarah worked as an undergraduate American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Summer Intern, in their Office of Government Relations. The AAAS Office of Government Relations works with Congress to provide non-partisan information on issues involving STEM. They also connect legislators with the STEM community and publish a science policy newsletter, AAAS Policy Alert, which informs AAAS members on current science policy issues. They provided an overview of the wealth of opportunities for scientists and students interested in exploring the policy world and contributing to the understanding and implementation of science nationwide. These opportunities include short-term internships for undergrads and grads during breaks in study and multi-year fellowships for graduates in undergrad and grad programs. It was an informative and thought-provoking start to the year for all those who attended.

Annually, the Caltech Y hosts a trip to Washington D.C. over winter break to give undergraduate and graduate students a unique opportunity to meet with policy makers on the Hill. This year, we had seventeen attendees who got to speak with scientists working as policy makers, science advisors, and lobbyists. We had the lovely opportunity to have round-table discussions with these decision-makers on what it means to be a scientist in Washington and the impact that one can have. We went on four site visits: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and to the Executive Office of the President (EOP) in the White House complex. We had the lovely opportunity to have round-table discussions with these decision-makers on what it means to be a scientist in Washington and the impact that one can have. At NOAA, we met with Ben DeAngelo, the Deputy Director of the Climate Program Office, and meteorologist Tom Di Liberto, who is in charge of social media for NOAA. During these meetings, we learned about what it means to conduct research as a government agency. After hearing from Dr. DeAngelo about his experiences as a scientist at the EPA and NOAA, we were given a brief overview about scholarships, careers, and other opportunities available for scientists at NOAA. Our visit to NOAA culminated in a demonstration of their patented “Science on Sphere” given by Di Liberto; massive amounts of satellite and tracking data over a period of years, from global sea temperatures to whale migratory paths, was visualized as a time progression on the three dimensional ball. Our hosts graciously hosted us for thirty minutes past our appointed meeting end-time. We couldn’t stop asking questions, including “Can you make the ball look like the death star?” (Yes, he could.) The following day, we headed to the NSF to meet with Fleming Crim, the chief operating officer. Here, we learned the decision-making process for funding at the NSF. We learned that the mission of the NSF is to promote science, regardless of what the trending science of the day is. A similar message was echoed by our speakers at AAAS, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization determined to facilitate the success of scientific achievement across the country and responsible for the publication of Science magazine. We were welcomed by Lydia Kaprelian, editorial manager of Science in the Classroom, a project where graduate students translate scientific articles into readable summaries for high school students. She made sure to mention that the program is always looking for volunteers who wish to practice communicating scientific discoveries to a broader audience, and several students are now following up on this opportunity! After this introduction, Interim CEO of AAAS Dr. Leshner, Chief Government Relations Officer Joanne Carney, and Program Director of the STEM Education Department Michael Feder shared their experiences working at AAAS. We also heard from Dr. Drosback, who works for the project SciLine aimed at connecting journalists with scientists who can provide them with the scientific background for their stories, and Project Director Aicher, who also works to further communication between the scientific community and the general public in the Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues. At the White House Executive Office of the President, we asked the Executive Secretary of the National Space Council, Dr. Pace, what the motivations were behind new initiatives like the creation of the Space Force and the revitalization of the manned space program with the goal of landing a man on the moon. (A stellar Q&A if you ask me!) Next we met with President Trump’s Science Advisor and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Kelvin Droegemeier, who fielded a flurry of questions with poise. Dr. Droegemeir stressed that although public perception is that the Trump administration rejects science, current scientific evidence is “at the table” when important decisions are being made; if a policy appears to oppose science, it is because other economic, social, and geopolitical factors were at play. In the evenings, we met with Heather Dean (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), Yi Pei (Office of Management and Budget), Mike Nelson (former science advisor to Vice President Al Gore), Rebecca Adler Miserendino (Senior Climate Finance Advisor), Victoria Chernow (ARPA-E Fellow), Bill Colglazier (former science advisor to Secretaries of State Clinton and Kerry), and Michael Ledford (Caltech’s principle lobbyist). For four nights and four days, 17 trip participants lived among the hustle and bustle of the US Capital–the origin of policies that extend their reaches across the nation into our homes and our laboratories, with rippling effects felt worldwide. Students learned about national and global history through visiting the Smithsonian Institutions, explored the contentious manner in which information is spread via news media at the Newseum before it closed its doors permanently Dec. 31, 2019, and even sat in on the momentous impeachment proceedings at the House of Representatives. We glimpsed visions of possible futures, where the scientific binary of correct and incorrect no longer applies, but the aid of creative and analytical thought is still constant.

Winter term has just started, but we are still thinking about the annual India Ki Khoj trip that several Caltech students went on over break in December. The India Ki Khoj program is a one week-long immersive program where students visit IIT Gandhinagar and experience the many aspects of India. Students reflected on their experiences by creating projects in the medium of their choice--including videos, sounds, art, and more. Take a look at what has been created this year below. Zoe Beatty, BS '22. India Ki Khoj 2019 Website "In December of 2019, I went on a trip to the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar with the Caltech Y. This website details highlights of the trip, showcases some of the best pictures captured, and shares my reflection of the experience." Some highlights are shown below: Visit the website here. Saehui Hwang, BS '22 India Ki Khoj 2019 | Caltech to India! Vlog "I've had the privilege of participating in the program this year, and it truly was a trip of a lifetime. India Ki Khoj was no tourist vacation. It was a journey in getting a deeper understanding of the many layers that form India. This vlog is my attempt at capturing the things I've learned, the memories I've made, and the friendships we've developed." Myra Cheng, BS '22. 7 Days in 28 Dog Photos: A Few Memories from India Ki Khoj 2019 Photo reflection Myra highlighted the trip through the many dogs she encountered on the way. "It was an incredible experience to walk among the pols and communities that are so imbued with history yet also relevant and modern as homes and neighborhoods for the people that live there. Every turn brought a new experience. I could walk around there for hours, appreciating the different colors and details of the architecture." See the full reflection here. Arushi Agarwal, BS '22. The Sounds of Ahmedabad Audio Arushi documented the trip through sounds and created an audio journey of her experiences. Take a listen below and read more about what she had to say here. Mei Yi You, BS '22. Foods of India Photo collage Mei Yi described the different foods she encountered during the trip. "Surrounded by the aroma of garlic, cumin, sesame, and all the spices used in each dish, I was so grateful for this opportunity that has opened my eyes to the brilliant complexity of what is India. This experience, India Ki Khoj, is a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget." Below is a photo collage of the various foods she ate. Read her thoughts here. Tara Porter, BS '21. Snapshots of India Photo reflection Tara reflected on her trip with a presentation-style collection of photos and writing. The Caltech Y, in partnership with the Caltech SURF Program and IIT Gandhinagar (IITGN), coordinates a trip to Ahmedabad, India each year. This 11-day trip is designed to introduce Caltech students to the many layers that form identity in India. Through a combination of academic lectures and fieldtrips, IITGN faculty take participants through the India of the past, present, and future, relating India’s ancient traditions of philosophy, science, and technology to a present-day India.

December 2019 Dear Caltech Y Friends, I joined the Caltech Y my freshman year after participating in the DC Science Policy Trip. During the trip, we met with Caltech alumni working on the Hill and discussed science advocacy and our roles in shaping science policy. It was an eye opening and inspiring experience. I still remember asking Athena, the Y’s Executive Director, "What if we had a tech policy trip to complement the science policy trip?" Athena supported the idea and suggested that I become a student leader to organize the trip. After the DC trip, I attended Y meetings and started leading programs. During Spring Break the following year, the Tech Policy trip I suggested as a frosh became a reality, and I was able to lead a group to San Francisco to meet with experts in tech policy. Thanks to the Y, I was also able to explore Gujarat, India through the annual India Ki Khoj program as well as the American South on a civil rights focused trip, a program I helped organize. I am grateful for these experiences. They helped me build a deeper understanding of social and global issues. Along the way, I realized that the Caltech Y offered a range of opportunities, from global to local experiences, such as tutoring through the Rise Program or volunteering through Make-A-Difference (MAD) Day. I cannot even begin to imagine the magnitude of impact the Y’s service programs have had on its participants. I know for me, the Y has made a world of difference in my Caltech experience. I was honored to be elected the President of the Student ExComm, and I gained more insight into the work the Y staff and board do to ensure our programs are funded and successful. None of our programming would be possible without the contributions of generous donors like you who understand the value of the Y in enriching student lives and helping us create positive change. The Y has provided me with a sense of community and a support system while rounding out my academic experience in ways that allowed me to explore my interests and passions. For me, the most unique part of the Y is that these opportunities are all student-driven and student-led. I’ve learned so much from all the successful events that ExComm coordinates and even more from the hiccups along the way. We are all working hard to ensure that the Y continues to serve as a resource for students, complementing students’ academic experiences with other opportunities to engage the community. If you have already made your annual gift, thank you for your support. If you have not had the opportunity to join the Friends of the Caltech Y or send in your annual gift, I hope you will consider generously supporting the Caltech Y. Your contributions are essential to the Y’s programming, help us accomplish our mission, and truly help make a difference. Thank you! Sincerely, Sunny Sunny Cui (Class of 2020) Student ExComm President