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Mizuki_Ohno_photo
  • Postdoctoral Scholar, Applied Physics and Materials Science

Mizuki Ohno

I am a postdoctoral scholar in the Falson Lab. I received my PhD at the University of Tokyo in March 2024 and joined Caltech in April. My research focuses on the fabrication of “atomically controlled thin-film interfaces” by molecular beam epitaxy to clarify underlying technologies for designing and controlling quantum phenomena. I'm also dedicated to exploring novel materials using epitaxial stabilization techniques. Recently, I’ve concentrated on the La-Ag-Ge system, where hexagonal LaAgGe and tetragonal LaAg₂Ge₂ phases are stabilized under silver poor and rich conditions, respectively. Interestingly, at intermediate Ag/La ratios, a new tetragonal phase emerges. I plan to investigate the fundamental electronic properties of these phases at low temperatures. Outside of research, I enjoy training at the gym, hiking, watching MLB and NBA games, and exploring movies.

Adriana Daca
  • Postdoctoral Scholar, Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Adriana Daca

Hi! I’m Adriana, a postdoc in Mechanical & Civil Engineering working with Professor Andrade. I’m interested in understanding how granular materials behave in low-gravity environments, including the surfaces of the Moon, Mars, and small bodies like rubble-pile asteroids. My PhD at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada focused on how gravity shapes interactions between robotic systems and granular materials, centering on planetary rover wheel–soil interactions. Before joining Caltech in May 2024, I worked at JPL, contributing to projects ranging from mobility concepts for future rovers to robotic sampling and manipulation systems. Currently, I’m contributing to a Caltech-led mission that would rendezvous with rubble-pile asteroid Apophis during its close Earth approach in 2029 (it will come 10x closer than the Moon!) Through numerical simulations, I’m investigating Apophis’ granular mechanics and implications for planetary science and planetary defense. In my spare time, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and flying small aircraft.

Miles-Johnson
  • Graduate Student, Applied Physics and Materials Science

Miles Ross Johnson

My name is Miles Ross Johnson, and I am entering my fourth year as a PhD student in the Applied Physics department. My research interests are centered around investigating the fundamental optical and electrical properties of novel materials, with a focus on applications in sustainability. I use both computational and experimental techniques, attempting to predict phenomena from first-principles quantum mechanics (i.e. Density Functional Theory and more advanced techniques), and then fabricating devices centered around the novel material to test my prediction. For the past year or so I’ve been focused on NiPS3, a material which is interesting for a variety of reasons, but most prominently for its unique optical properties which are tied to its magnetic structure. Outside of my research, I spend a lot of time rock climbing, and I also play the Tenor Saxophone in the Caltech Jazz Band and the Caltech Wind Ensemble.

PauBatlle
  • Graduate Student, Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Pau Batlle

Hey there! I am a G5 in the Computing and Mathematical Sciences Department, working with Houman Owhadi. My PhD research has focused on developing mathematical tools and algorithms for robust uncertainty quantification and certification in inverse problems. I strive to use mathematics as a common language for diverse applications and I have deeply enjoyed collaborating in different domain areas during my PhD, including earthquake prediction modeling, particle physics, and atmospheric remote sensing. In my free time, I enjoy playing team sports and engaging in creative endeavors, mainly photography and game design. I enjoy thinking and engaging in games and sports partly because they are interesting models of more complicated life situations. Understanding player behavior, cooperation, and strategic thinking in situations with clear rule sets and goals can then be used to understand situations where goals and rules are not as well-defined.

Kristina Sevier
  • Undergraduate Student, Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Kristi Sevier

I have always wanted to know how things work and I see programming as the language that brings things to life. Caltech was my dream because I wanted to create advanced robotics for the space program. Entering my junior year at Caltech studying MechE/Robotics and Aerospace, my dream has expanded to include combining robotics with AI, and ultimately AI supported by quantum computing. Quantum mechanics is fascinating, and I have been fortunate to work for CERN both at Caltech and onsite in Switzerland. I enjoy the evolving theories of physics, and my focus is to bridge new discoveries into practical applications. I agree with Einstein’s philosophy that we cannot solve current problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created the problems. Part of my strong motivation to innovate comes from my childhood. When I was four, my sister suddenly went blind. Working through this trauma together helped us grow tremendously. When she learned Braille, I learned Braille; when she learned new strategies for mobility and academics, I did too; when she adapted to intake audio at 475 words per minute, so did I. Most importantly, I learned that with perseverance, creativity, and the right attitude, almost anything can be accomplished.

Manuel Rodriguez Headshot (1)
  • Undergraduate Student, Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Manny Rodriguez

My name's Manuel (Manny) Rodriguez and I'm a rising senior in Page (Whose House?) majoring in CS! Right now, I'm really interested in music and playing guitar, and coming off a summer away without having mine, I'm excited to get back into it. I love classic rock like the Beatles, Queen, and RHCP. If you are too, let's chat! My research last semester that I hope to continue was in EEG signal decoding using machine learning for imagined movements at ARCL under Professor Soon-Jo Chung and my mentor Yujin An. Recently, I've also been tinkering around with an interest in quantitative finance using ML! Lastly, I gotta mention my housemates in some capacity. Writing this in the summer, I'm excited to come back, see everyone, get better at pool, and goon around again. Page house, best house, no questions. And if you don't believe me, come check us out!