People

Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering (2025)

CV ~ Google Scholar

Kara is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Caltech. She grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and received her BS in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University in 2016. She then completed an MPhil in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge through the support of a Churchill Scholarship. Kara graduated with her PhD from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, co-advised by Prof. Kristin Persson and Prof. Bryan McCloskey. She then went on to complete her postdoctoral work as a Schmidt Science Fellow and Junior Research Fellow in Trinity College at the University of Cambridge, working with Profs. Clare Grey and Angelos Michaelides. Outside of research, Kara is an avid birdwatcher.

Maddy is a second-year PhD student in our group. Originally from Lakewood, CO, she earned her BS in Chemical Engineering, with a minor in Mathematics, from the University of Minnesota in 2024. Outside of her academic and research pursuits, Maddy is passionate about staying active and embracing the outdoors through snowboarding, running, hiking, weightlifting, and yoga.

Eddie was born and raised in Madison, WI, and is currently a first-year Ph.D. student. He commissioned as a U.S. Army Engineer Officer after graduating from the United States Military Academy with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Engineering Management. Eddie is pursuing his graduate studies with the support of the Hertz Fellowship and is a 2025 Hertz Fellow. Outside of research, he enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, fishing, swimming, lifting, exploring local coffee shops, and following his favorite sports teams.

Ryan was raised in Austin, TX and is a current junior undergraduate student. He is pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering (Computational) and is a member of Avery House, serving as one of the social directors. Beyond academics, Ryan enjoys hiking and listening to Taylor Swift.