Community Programs
Spring into STEM
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, WiC hosted Spring Into STEM. Young scouts, ranging from Daisies to Cadettes, gathered into groups on the Beckman Mall to experience science demonstrations organized by the CCE students. The scouts were divided into groups and rotated through the demonstrations and lab tours throughout the afternoon. The Chemistry demonstration led by the Chemistry Club included ice cream in a bag and slime. The Applied Physics demo showcased topics such as buoyancy and civil engineering by constructing boats and structures, and then testing their strength and stability. For the Materials demonstration, CCE and EAS students taught the scouts about batteries and color-changing mechanophores. Women in BBE led the Biology demo, displaying various slides under microscopes. WiC board members led laboratory tours of Schlinger, showing the scouts synthetic chemistry labs and garnering excitement over gloveboxes. Professor Hsieh-Wilson welcomed the scouts during her opening remarks, emphasizing that science is accessible to anyone who remains curious about the world, and science exists as a means of fulfilling inquisitiveness.
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Photo credits: Kala Youngblood
James LuValle Awards
The James LuValle Award was established by the CCE Community Programs Committee to recognize an individual's excellent service work for creating an environment of inclusivity while working toward the advancement of community in the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Caltech.
The James LuValle Award candidates are nominated by members of the CCE community.
Emily Chen
Emily has spear-headed many initiatives within CCE which included being one of the event coordinators for the 2023-24 “Spring into STEM” Day for L.A. Cadette Scout.
Additionally, she coordinated the the LA Zoo’s “Engaging Girls in STEM” event, planned and hosted WiC Seminar speaker Dr. Becky Ruck, and was co-planner of the CCE Seminar Day from 2022 to 2024.
Dennis Ko
On January 11, 2025, Dennis sprang into action with graduate students and postdocs within and beyond CCE to provide clothing, bedding, food and water for members of the Caltech/JPL community who were evacuated from their homes due to the fast-spreading Eaton Fire.
Dennis brought together administrators, students, staff and faculty. He scheduled volunteers to intake, sort and display donations in an organized way so people could quickly find what they needed. His focus on serving those in need assisted him in negotiating with the Provost’s office, Student Affairs and Security on keeping the donation service open in a stable location for two critical weeks.
Dennis created an inclusive and warm environment for the vulnerable victims who sought help at the donation center and for the volunteers as well.
Jordan Thompson
Jordan has contributed to CCE, the Caltech community, and the public by tabling at the San Diego Science Fair plus judging at the Los Angeles Science Fair. He was President of CCE’s CGSC and co-chaired/ CCE Seminar Day for three years.
He worked in the Big Sib/Little Sib program, (which pairs early-stage scientists with mentors that help guide their academic and career goals). Jordan is a role model as an LGBTQIA+ scientist and member of Caltech’s PRISM Club. He was one of seven students awarded the inaugural ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award.
Jordan’s large social media following is due to his creation of educational content based on his experience as a graduate student. Through this platform he encourages high school and college students to pursue careers in STEM.
About BOND
BOND (formerly known as DICI) is a student organization founded in 2016 within the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCE) with three main pillars:
- Broadening access of careers in chemical research to all prospective students–primarily focusing on those in community colleges within the LA area,
- Promoting discussions of inclusivity and comprehension (encouraging different perspectives and a greater sense of belonging where everyone is valued), and
- Hosting faculty to present special seminars about both their chemistry research and personal career journey.
BOND aims to facilitate and embolden discussions on fairness in science and provide a space for students from a variety of backgrounds to discuss issues and share ideas to advance our Division and create a safer and more educated community.
This past year, BOND has held several events for the Caltech community and prospective students. Some include: a Fullerton MESA Zoom Panel, CCE lab tour days with Cal Poly Pomona, Pasadena City College, and Cerritos College, a Spring AAPI Boba Hour, Spring Community Reflection and Coffee Hour, BOND hours with invited seminar speakers, and summer socials with WAVE/Amgen visiting scholars.
Mark your calendars because they will be hosting the second inaugural Day of Inclusion on November 21, 2026.