Featured Speakers
Gregg W. Hallinan, PhD
Professor of Astronomy; Director, Owens Valley Radio Observatory
Hannah Druckenmiller, PhD
Assistant Professor of Economics; William H. Hurt Scholar
Sujit Datta, PhD
Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biophysics
Matt Thomson, PhD
Professor of Computational Biology; Investigator, Heritage Medical Research Institute
Azita Emami, PhD
Andrew and Peggy Cherng Professor of Electrical Engineering and Medical Engineering; Director, Center for Sensing to Intelligence
Andy Thompson, PhD
John S. and Sherry Chen Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering, Director of the Ronald and Maxine Linde Center for Global Environmental Science, and Executive Officer for Environmental Science
Zhongwen Zhan, PhD
Professor of Geophysics, Clarence R. Allen Leadership Chair of the Seismological Laboratory, and Director of the Seismological Laboratory
Ruby Fu, PhD
Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering and William H. Hurt Scholar
Mark Simons, PhD
John W. and Herberta M. Miles Professor of Geophysics and Director of the Brinson Exploration Hub
Caltech Student Speaker Programs
3MT Challenge: Elevating Science Communication In Three Minutes
their research clearly and concisely against a timer. They will also answer questions about their research. The 3MT Talk is part of a global competition designed to encourage young academics to explain their research so that it is accessible to a non-specialist audience. It is a great opportunity to see these talented students demonstrate their communication skills and explain their fascinating research. Learn more
Everhart Distinguished Graduate Student Lecture
Hear from a 2025 Everhart Finalist in this modified lecture for the Caltech community! The Everhart Lecture Series is a forum to encourage interdisciplinary interaction among graduate students and faculty, to share ideas about recent research developments, problems and controversies, and to recognize the exemplary presentation and research abilities of Caltech’s graduate students. Lecturers discuss topics at a level suitable for graduate students and faculty from all fields, while addressing current research issues.
Perpall SURF Speaking Competition
In 1993, Robert C. Perpall (BS ’52 ME, MS ’56 ME) established the Doris S. Perpall SURF Speaking Competition in memory of his late wife as an incentive for Caltech students to give excellent oral presentations. He believed that effective communication skills were critical to one’s future success. Over the course of thirty-one years, the Perpall SURF Speaking Competition has developed into an incredible force for improving the oral presentation skills of Caltech undergraduates.
Hear from a recently named Perpall SURF Speaking Competition winner selected from a field of 194 students who presented their research findings on SURF Seminar Day in October 2024 and advanced to this prestigious competition.