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The campus community biweekly March 21, 2002, vol. 2, no. 6

A breakthrough on a Hawking draws thousands tropical virus

Scientists at Caltech and Purdue Univer­ sity have determined the fine-detail struc­ ture of the virus that causes dengue fever. This advance could lead to new, more focused strategies for devising a Ensminger named vaccine against a viral illness that causes 20,000 deaths each year. new HSS chair Reporting in the March 8 issue of the journal Cell, Caltech biology professor She has traveled alone in war-torn areas James Strauss, lead author Richard Kuhn of Africa and listened to lions pad around of Purdue (a former postdoctoral scholar her tent at night, but now Caltech profes­ in Strauss's lab), and Michael Rossman sor of anthropology Jean Ensminger and Timothy Baker of Purdue describe takes on a different challenge, as the new the virus's structure, obtained with a chair of the Division of the Humanities cryoelectron microscope. The detailed and Social Sciences. electron-density map shows the inner In making the announcement, Caltech RNA core of the virus, as well as the provost Steve Koonin commented, "Jean other spherical layers that cover it. At the brings a distinguished record of teaching surface is the glycoprotein scaffolding and research, fine judgment, and demon­ thought to allow the virus to interact with strated management skills to an impor­ the receptor and invade a host cell. tant position of academic leadership This is the first time the structure of a within the Institute. We are very fortunate flavivirus has been described, Strauss that someone of her talents is willing to says. Flaviviruses are a class of viruses take on this important responsibility." that include the yellow fever, West Nile, Ensminger will be the first woman to tick-borne encephalitis, and Japanese serve as division chair at Caltech, and encephalitis viruses. All are enclosed will take the helm on June 15, replacing with a glycoprotein outer layer that John Ledyard, professor of economics includes minor projections out of the Fans of the British physicist and best-selling author Stephen Hawking braved the morning chill for lipid layer due to the geometry of the and social sciences, who will be return­ hours in line outside Beckman Auditorium. With coats and bedrolls, they turned out for free pairs of ing, he says, to "the best position in the scaffolding. tickets to Hawking's evening lecture on March 15. world: full professor at Caltech." He will "Most viruses that cause serious ill­ redirect his energies to his research in ness are enveloped, including influenza, market and organization design, or focus hantaviruses, West Nile virus, smallpox, on a new, unrelated area, or "go sailing, and herpes-though not polio," Strauss Go WEST, young woman if my boat is still afloat." says. For her part, Ensminger is enthusiastic see Dengue virus, page 2 It began when biochemistry graduate Heilshorn and Collins, together with about the prospects for the division, and student Cynthia Collins noticed a trend graduate students Karli Watson (biology) hopes to build on its successes over the among her colleagues. Quite often when and Sarah Monahan (chemistry), form last two decades. "The division has women gathered, the conversation WEST's steering committee. The group transformed the study of political science veered toward role models for women­ held its first events last fall, a lunch for and political economy in ways now emu­ Dodgers to host or rather, the lack thereof-at Caltech. students and postdocs featuring profes­ lated and dominant in virtually every "We would wonder, how are we going sors Janet Hering and Marianne Bronner­ major university in America," she says, Caltech/JPL Day to become the scientists we want to be, Fraser, and a forum, "The Status of "and is currently incubating several areas and still be able to have families as well Women at Caltech: Past, Present, and of expertise that have the same potential Dodger Dogs beware. On Saturday, as lives outside the lab?" Collins said. "Is Future," open to the wider Caltech com­ for transforming disciplines as we know June 1, more than 3,000 hungry baseball there anyone who's doing it all that we munity. The committee aims to continue them today." fans from Caltech and JPL-with families can talk to?" holding small faculty lunches and larger see Ensminger, page 6 in tow-will descend on Chavez Ravine. But as she looked around, she realized see WEST- page 6 That's when the first-ever Caltech/JPL there were such role models, excellent Day will take place at Dodger Stadium. ones. The problem was the lack of a net­ The entire Caltech community, including work to connect those scientists and Undergrad award students, staff, and faculty, will have the researchers with undergraduate and run of the place. The L.A. Dodgers will graduate students and postdocs who in a nominations urged face the Arizona Diamondbacks, with the few years would be their peers. So to game beginning at 1:10 p.m. create a venue for dialogue, mentoring, Applications for Caltech's 2002-03 Upper Clustered in Dodger Stadium's right­ and support, Collins and several friends Class Merit Award Competition are now field pavilion, the fans from Caltech will formed the new Women in Engineering, being accepted, and faculty members are begin the day at 11 a.m. A pregame car­ Science, and Technology group. encouraged to nominate freshmen, nival will offer an opportunity to scale a "There's a lot of segmentation among sophomores, and juniors who have 28-foot mountain and race down a 30- undergraduates, graduates, and faculty, shown outstanding academic achieve­ foot slide. Athletes will be able to speed­ and also among the different academic ment in their time at the Institute, says check their fastest pitch or swing a bat in options," said Sarah Heilshorn, a gradu­ David Levy, director of financial aid. an inflatable batting cage. The usual ate student in chemical engineering. Eligible students may also apply directly carnival denizens will be there to enter­ "We're trying to break down walls and themselves, and Levy urges them to do tain the kids, including face painters, increase communication, and make this a Sarah Monahan, Cynthia Collins, Karli Watson, so. "A lot of students don't apply because magicians, balloon artists, and clowns. more welcoming place for scientists in and Sarah Heilshorn hope WEST will increase see Scholarships, page 6 see Dodgers, page 6 general." communication among women on campus. 2 Caltech 336, March 21,2002

Getty taps News, views from NewsBriefs Rosenstone the Safety Office Professor of History Robert Rosenstone These news briefs are excerpted from the will soon join the ranks of researchers at Safetech Journal, a quarterly newsletter the Getty Center in Brentwood. He will published by Ca/tech's Environment, join the center's research arm in Septem­ Health, and Safety Office. For more ber as a Getty Scholar, concentrating in information on campus safety, e-mail biography on film. [email protected] or visit http:// Rosenstone has been at Caltech for safety. ca /tech. edu. 35 years, and in the last decade, he has divided his time between teaching here 911 and your wireless phone and writing about historical film from a One reason people purchase cell phones variety of countries. "I deal always with is to be able to call emergency response film from around the world, so I'm not services. But your call may not reach just an American when it comes to film," help. That's because not all wireless car­ he said. riers allow 911 calls to access local emer­ Rosenstone has also written two biog­ gency response systems, as required by raphies; it was Romantic Revolutionary, the FCC. his biography of John Reed, that was When purchasing a cell phone, find used as the basis for the 1981 feature out if the carrier provides wireless 911 film Reds. Rosenstone served as a his­ service. Make sure the service connection torical consultant for that project as well. is available in all areas of promised cov­ His year at the Getty will be spent erage. Also, find out if the cell phone researching how well films capture a past company provides enhanced wireless life and then bringing those works and service. Enhanced service, which the 911 his findings into the larger discourse of operator needs to identify the caller's Sally Ride, the first American woman in space and a Caltech trustee, history. As broad in scope as the topic of location, requires upgrades the carrier was featured on KPCC radio's Talk of the City program March 13. biographical film is, Rosenstone will feel may not have made in all areas. his way around and see what develops. "I'm really at the beginning of this AED: The shock of life Personals Honors and awards project," he said. "I'm not sure what the The newest member at the Braun Gym is shape of it is yet." the AED, or automated external defibrilla­ Denise Nelson Nash, director of public events, Welcome to Caltech tor. It is a laptop-sized device that ana­ has been selected as a 27th Congressional District • lyzes a cardiac-arrest victim's heart February Woman of the Year. On March 27, she and eight other women will be hosted for lunch at the Twin rhythm and advises a rescuer to deliver Palms Restaurant in Pasadena by Congressman a shock when appropriate. Audible Postdoctoral scholars Susana Andrade, chemis­ Dengue virus. from page 1 try, Daniel Bolon, biology, Kyle Caspersen, Adam Schiff, who is honoring the women for prompts tell the rescuer what to do, from having "played a critical role in improving the The surprise for the researchers was aeronautics, and Mindy Davis, biology; Camilla attaching electrodes to the patient's chest Haavik, visitor, materials science; Ryusuke quality of life" in the 27th District and having the unusual manner in which the glyco­ to pushing a button to deliver a shock. Hayashi, assistant biologist, biology; Julie "made a difference in our community in a signifi­ proteins are arranged. Details from the Heather, staff scientist, geology; postdoctoral cant manner." Schiff will take the opportunity to Caltech and Purdue computer-generated This shock, called defibrillation, can only scholars Henrik Jonsson, biology, and Hyungil hear their "thoughts and ideas about how the images show a highly variegated struc­ be administered when the AED's internal Jung, chemistry; senior department clerks Leif federal government can play a role in enhancing computer chip detects the presence of the neighborhood services and programs avail­ ture of glycoprotein molecules that are Lapiad, Registrar's Office, and Rosemary (Beth) irregular cardiac rhythms. It may help the able to the residents of the 27th Congressional evenly dispersed, but with a surprisingly Larranaga, Bursar's Office; Michelle Larson, heart to reestablish an effective rhythm postdoctoral scholar, physics; Jun Liu, visitor, District." complicated pattern. electrical engineering; Peter Yunju Lwigale, "It's symmetrical, but not with the of its own. postdoctoral scholar, biology; Marina Marcilla, obvious symmetry of most symmetric Anyone using an AED should have custodian, Physical Plant; Richard Ramos, viruses," Strauss explains. "This was not proper training. AED training is available dishwasher, Dining Services; Maria Roldan­ Campus authors an expected result." through the American Red Cross First Ortiz, research assistant I, biology; Eva Rueba, Aid/CPR/AED classes, which are offered postdoctoral scholar, chemistry; Kai Schnee, Strauss says it's still unclear what the The American University in Cairo Press has visitor, mathematics; Cindy Shih, research odd symmetry will ultimately mean for through the Safety Office during the first published Voyage through Time: Walks of Life to assistant I, biology; Vivek Singhal, research aide month of each quarter and can be spe­ the Nobel Prize, by Caltech's Ahmed Zewail, future research aimed at controlling the I, aeronautics; postdoctoral scholars Andrew cially arranged for groups of 10 or more. Pauling Professor of Chemical Physics and pro­ disease, because the precise function of Ronald Tapper, biology, and Mary Thundathil, fessor of physics, and winner of the 1999 Nobel the different structural domains of the materials science; Gilbert Vera, bus person I, Prize in chemistry. The title refers both to his own Caltech radiation safety Athenaeum; Guifre Vidal, postdoctoral scholar, glycoproteins are still not known. But a past and to the split-second world of the theoretical physics. more detailed view of these structures is In January, an inspector from the state femtosecond-equal to one-quadrillionth of a Department of Health Services radio­ second, the femtosecond is a unit used to mea­ the beginning of a more informed strat­ logical health branch visited Caltech to sure time at the atomic level. It was for his inven­ egy for a focused medical or pharmaceu­ March tion of a technique using ultrafast lasers to tical attack, Strauss says. "You can think conduct an inspection of our activities as observe in real time chemical reactions at the they relate to radiation safety regula­ Armando Amaya, assistant lab technician, of the protease inhibitors for HIV. Those atomic level that Zewail won the Nobel Prize. In biology; postdoctoral scholars David Anderson, in large part came from knowing the tions. his book, Zewail tells of his early life in Egypt, his aeronautics, Hans-Dieter Arndt, chemistry, and The inspector looked at the Safety relocation to the United States, and his academic structure of the HIV enzymes you were Benjamin Arthur, biology; Carol Bastiani, Office's records regarding how radio­ and scientific achievements. He also explores the trying to interfere with." assistant biologist, biology; Elin Boyle, senior impact of science on the modern world in both Thus, the new work could lead to active material is received, used, stored, administrative secretary, Development and developed and developing countries, and sug­ processed, and removed. He also in­ Alumni Relations; Marianne Brouty, research drugs that will bind to the virus to pre­ gests a concrete course of action for the world of aide B, Infrared Process and Analysis Center vent it from entering the cell, or perhaps spected benches and floors in the labora­ the less advantaged. (I PAC); LaToya Brunston, general clerk A, con­ from reassembling once it is already tories for contamination, checked for densed-matter physics; Monica Cantu, accoun­ inside the cell. evidence of food in the labs, and ob­ tant for gifts and endowments, Financial Services; Dengue fever is a mosquito-spread served compliance with regulations. Juan Garrido, elevator mechanic assistant, Despite this rigorous scrutiny, no vio­ Physical Plant; Anthony Guarino, research Caltech senior wins disease that has been known for centu­ lations were found. This is the third in­ assistant I, Seismo Lab; Atiya Hakeem, assistant Churchill Scholarship ries, but was first isolated in the 1940s biologist, biology; Rosa Jaime, food and bever­ after it became a significant health con­ spection in the past eight years in which age hostess, Athenaeum; postdoctoral scholars Michael Shulman, a senior in mathematics, will cern for American forces in the Pacific Caltech has been found to run clean and Melita Keywood, environmental science and spend his next academic year doing graduate theater. A worldwide problem, the dis­ orderly labs, thanks primarily to the engineering, and Tim Lebestky, biology; Rose studies in math at Churchill College, University of Institute's Radiation Safety Committee. Mason, front-office clerk, Athenaeum; Georgia ease is found throughout Latin America, Cambridge, as one of 11 Churchill Scholars na­ One of the issues discussed with the Mendoza, travel specialist, Financial Services; tionwide who have been chosen from a pool of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and India, inspector was the security of radioactive research assistant I Wenmin Shi and students nominated by 67 major colleges and and is currently at epidemic levels in postdoctoral scholar Kum-Joon Shin, biology; universities. He is the 12th Caltech student to Hawaii. materials. After September 11, Environ­ Stephen TeBeau, assistant electrician, Physical have won a Churchill Scholarship since the pro­ Especially virulent is the closely ment, Health, and Safety Services has Plant; Nancy Thienprasiddhi, office assistant, gram was founded in 1963 to enable outstanding taken steps to lock up large sources of geology; Jason Woertink, research assistant I, related dengue hemorrhagic fever, which American students to do graduate work in engi­ radioactive materials. For laboratories chemistry; Daniel Zieber, associate network/ neering, mathematics, and the physical and is responsible for most of the deaths. The using radioactive material, personnel system administrator, Palomar Observatory. natural sciences at Churchill College. In addition, disease is a leading cause of infant mor­ three former Churchill Scholars are currently in tality in Thailand, where there is an espe­ should lock lab doors, storage cabinets, residence at Caltech: Chevron Professor of cially vigorous program to find an and freezers. Staff and students should be Memorial service set Chemical Engineering John Brady, Associate effective vaccine. vigilant and inform Security of any suspi­ A memorial service for Joyce Campbell will be Professor of Chemical Physics Mitchio cious activity. Security of the campus, held on Saturday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at Grace Okumura, and Member of the Professional More information can be found on the community, and country is now, more Brethren Church in South Pasadena. The church is Staff Alan Cummings. Center for Disease Control Web site at located at 920 Fremont Avenue, one block south www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue/ than ever, everybody's responsibility. of Mission. A Caltech employee for 15 years, most index.htm. • recently in GPS, Campbell died on February 27 after a battle with cancer. • the acad em ic week at ca It ec h is a printed version of selected events from the online @Caltech calendar, http://atcaltech.caltech.edu/calendar/. To publish events online, register as an event planner on the @Caltech calendar. If unable to submit electronically, please call (626) 395-3630. For further information or a schedule of deadlines, call (6261 395-3630, fax (626) 449-2159, write 336 Calendar, 1-71, California

Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, or e-mail [email protected].

March 25-31,2002

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Monday, March 25 Wednesday, March 27 Gray chemistry Astronomy Tea Talk Organic Chemistry Seminar forum to air 106 Robinson, 4 p.m.-" Luminosity 153 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Functions of Galactic Disks and Spher­ 2 to 3:30 p.m.-"Selectivity in Covalent The second Congressional Science oids from Quantitative Morphology," and Noncovalent Synthesis," Professor Scholar Forum, featuring Beckman Pro­ Andrew Benson, postdoctoral scholar in Michael J. Krische, University of Texas fessor of Chemistry Harry Gray, will air astronomy, Caltech. Information: http:// at Austin. on Charter Communications public­ astro.caltech.edu/- jlc/colloquia.html. access channels 25 and 56 this month. Wiersma Lecture Gray's lecture, "The Future of Chemistry: General Biology Seminar 24 Beckman Labs, 4 p.m .-"Hippo­ Fuel from Sunlight and Water," outlines 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m.-" Analysis of campal Memory: Genes, Dreams, and how the next generation of chemists will JNK Signaling in the Regulation of Network Machines," Matthew Wilson, play a critical role in averting imminent Tissue Morphogenesis," Beth Stronach, department of brain and cognitive energy shortages by creating new alter­ department of genetics, Harvard Medical science, MIT. natives. The quarterly forums are pre­ School. sented by Congressman Adam Schiff in conjunction with Caltech. Inorganic-Electrochemistry Seminar Thursday, March 28 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Channel 25 (Burbank, Glendale, La 4 p.m.-"From Olefin Metathesis Biochemistry Seminar Canada, La Crescenta) airtimes: Catalysts to Dihydrogen Complexes: 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, The Chemistry of Group 6 Imido Di­ 4 p.m.-"Subverting the Ribosome: Saturday amide Complexes," James M. Boncella, Mechanism of Translation Initiation by March 23 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. professor of chemistry, University of Hepatitis C Virus," Jennifer Doudna, Sunday Florida, Gainesville. Henry Ford II Professor, department of March 24 2:30p.m. molecular biophysics and biochemistry, Solid State Sciences Seminar Series Yale University, and associate investiga­ Saturday (S"5) tor, Howard Hughes Medical Institute. March 30 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 102 Steele, 4 p.m.-" Growth and Super­ Sunday conductivity of MgB Thin Films and 2 March 31 2:30p.m. Single Crystals," Professor Sung-lk Lee, Friday, March 29 Pohang University of Science and Tech­ Channel 56 (Pasadena, Alhambra, nology, Korea. Refreshments, Watson lnorganic-Organometallics Seminar San Gabriel) airtimes: lobby, 3:45p.m. Information: www.its. 151 Crellin, 4 p.m.-"Development of a caltech.edu/- yehgroup/s5/. Novel Tandem Acyi-Ciaisen Rearrange­ Friday ment and Progress Towards the Total March 22 5 p.m. Synthesis of Erythronolide B," Vy M. Saturday Dong, graduate student in chemistry, Tuesday, March 26 March 23 5 p.m. and 8:30p.m. Caltech. CACRJASCI Seminar Monday Powell-Booth 100, 3 p.m.-"Program­ LIGO Science Seminar March 25 8 p.m. ming Paradigms for High-Performance 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, Thursday Computing: The Trade-off between 4 p.m.-" Retrofit Upgrade to the March 28 5 p.m. Elegance and Performance," Hans P. Livingston Seismic Isolation Systems," Zima, visiting associate in the Center for Dennis Coyne, member of the profes­ Saturday Advanced Computing Research, Caltech. sional staff, LIGO Laboratory, Caltech. March 30 5 p.m. and 8:30p.m. Information: www.cacr.caltech.edu/ Monday calendar/seminars. April1 8 p.m.

Carnegie Observatories Colloquium Series William T. Golden Auditorium, 813 Santa Barbara Street, 4 p.m.-"The Lick Obser­ vatory Supernova Search with the Katzman Automatic Imaging Telescope," Alex Filippenko, professor of astronomy, UC Berkeley. Refreshments, 3:30 p.m.

General Biology Seminar 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m.-Topic to be announced. David McClay, professor of biology, Duke University. the acad em ic week at ca It ec h is a printed version of selected events from the online @Caltech calendar, http://atcaltech.caltech.edu/calendar/. To publish events online, register as an event planner on the @Caltech calendar. If unable to submit electronically,

please call (626) 395-3630. For further information or a schedule of deadlines, call (626) 395-3630, fax (626) 449-2159, write 336 Calendar, 1-71, California

Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, or e-mail [email protected].

April1-7, 2002

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Monday, April 1 Wednesday, April 3 Friday, April 5 Watsons explore Aeronautics Seminar Astronomy Colloquium Mathematical Physics Seminar space and mind 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, 351 Sloan, noon-"One Application Lecture Hall, 1 p.m.-"Spacecraft 4 p.m.-" Abundances in Globular of Trace Formulae for Jacobi Matrices," This month's Watson Lectures will Autonomy," Dr. Richard Doyle, JPL. Cluster Turn-Off Stars," Raffaele Gratton, Oleg Safronov, research assistant, describe the search for planets in outer Information: www.galcit.caltech.edu/ Astronomical Observatory, Padua, Italy. department of mathematics, Royal Insti­ space beyond the solar system and probe seminars.shtml. Information: http://astro.caltech.edu/-jlc/ tute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm. the inner space of the mind. All lectures colloquia.html. Information: www.math.caltech.edu/ take place on Wednesday evening at Geology and Planetary Sciences events/mathphys.html. 8 p.m. in Beckman Auditorium, and are Seminar Chemical Research Conference free and open to the public. 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Fluid Mechanics Seminar On April 3, David Charbonneau, 4 p.m.-Topic to be announced. Steve 4 p.m.-"The Hydroxylation of Small 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota Millikan Postdoctoral Scholar in Astron­ Finkel, assistant professor of molecular Alkanes by the Particulate Methane Lecture Hall, 3 p.m.-"Turbulent Defor­ omy at Caltech, will present "Planets biology, USC. Information: www.gps. Monooxygenase," Professor Sunney mations: Dynamics and Statistics of Orbiting Nearby Suns." The question caltech.edu. Chan, Hoag Professor of Biophysical Velocity Gradients in the Inertial Range of whether or not the stars of the night Chemistry, Emeritus, Caltech. of Turbulence," Professor Charles sky are encircled by families of planets Organic Chemistry Seminar Meneveau, department of mechanical similar to Earth has intrigued astron­ 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Solid State Sciences Seminar Series engineering, Johns Hopkins University. omers for centuries. However, it is only 4 to 5:30p.m .-" Porphyrin: A Lead (S"SI Information: www.galcit.caltech.edu/ in the last decade that direct evidence Structure Par Excellence," Professor 102 Steele, 4 p.m.-"Superfluid Density, Seminars/Fiuids/CurrentFiuids/index. for planets outside Earth's solar system Emanuel Vogel, University of Cologne, Heterogeneity, and Condensation of html. has been found. Ongoing searches now Germany. High-T Superconductors," Professor c deliver newly discovered planets by the Yasutomo Uemura, department of Caltech/JPL Association for dozen, and many of these are far Sloan-Swartz Seminar physics, Columbia University. Refresh­ Gravitational-Wave Research stranger than anyone has ever imagiued. 24 Beckman Labs, 4 p.m.-"Sensori­ ments, Watson lobby, 3:45 p.m. Informa­ Seminar Series Charbonneau will introduce neighboring motor Processing in Higher Dimensions," tion: www.its.caltech.edu/-yehgroup/s5/. 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, planetary systems and describe how Doug Tweed, associate professor of 4 p.m.-"lime-Delay Interferometry for the detection of such elusive, Earth-like physiology, University of Toronto. Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series LISA," Massimo linto, JPL. worlds may be much closer than previ­ Refreshments, lobby, 3:45 p.m. Beckman Auditorium, 8 p.m.- ously thought. " Planets Orbiting Nearby Suns," David General Biology Seminar "Can a Machine Learn to Play 'Where's Charbonneau, Millikan Postdoctoral 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m.-"Headless Flies Waldo'?" wonders Pietro Perona, Caltech Scholar in Astronomy, Caltech. Admis­ Resulting from Interference with the Tuesday, April 2 professor of electrical engineering and sion is free. Information: 395-4652, Twin of Eyeless/Eyeless Pathway," director, Center for Neuromorphic Sys­ Bioengineering Seminar 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or events@caltech. Professor Markus Noll, Institute for tems Engineering. In his April 24 talk, 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota edu. Individuals with a disability: Molecular Biology, University of Zurich. Perona will address this query and many Lecture Hall, 3 p.m.-" Approximate 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TOO). more. In daily life human beings can Solutions of the Flow across Mechanical Visit Public Events at www.events. recognize shoes, grocery stores, auto­ Heart Valves and in Left Ventricle Assist caltech.edu. mobiles, animals, and mothers-in-law Devices," Dr. Moshe Rosenfeld, division just by looking. How do we do it? How of engineering, Tel Aviv University, did we learn to do it? And can we build Israel. Refreshments, 2:30p.m. Thursday, April 4 a machine that does it too? Working to find answers to such questions gives Civil Engineering Seminar William and Myrtle Harris insight into the human mind and is help­ 206 Thomas, 4 p.m.-" Model Selection, Distinguished Lectureship in ing researchers develop machine vision Identification, and Robust Control for Science and Civilization systems that will assist in driving cars on Dynamical Systems," Ka-Veng Yuen, Beckman Institute auditorium, 4 p.m.­ busy roads, detect dangerous people in graduate student in civil engineering, "Galileothek@: Information Technology airports, and search for images on the Caltech. Refreshments, 210 Thomas, and Research in the Humanities," Dr. Web. 3:45p.m. Paolo Galluzzi, professor of history of No tickets or reservations are re­ science, University of Florence, Italy. quired for the Watson Lectures. A mini­ Organic Chemistry Seminar Refreshments. Information: www.hss. mum of 700 seats will be available on a 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, caltech.edu/ses/SEPP.html. first-come, first-served basis, beginning 4 p.m.-" Intramolecular Dendrimer at 7:30 each lecture evening. For more Self-Organization: Effect of Hydrogen­ Physics Research Conference information, call Caltech Public Events at Bonding and Packing Interactions on 201 E. Bridge, 4 p.m.-"The Origin of (626) 395-4652, e-mail events@caltech. Dendrimer Folding," Jonathan R. Galactic Cosmic Rays," Sir lan Axford, edu, or visit www.events.caltech.edu/ Parquette, assistant professor, depart­ visiting scientist, Institute of Geophysics watson/. ment of chemistry, Ohio State University. and Planetary Physics, UC Riverside. Refreshments: 108 E. Bridge, 3:45p.m. • Information: www.pma.caltech.edu/ - physcoii/PhysColl.html. Caltech 336, March 21,2002 5 CampusEvents

Monday, March 25 Friday, March 29 Saturday, April 6 Eine kleine Mozart Baby Furniture and Household Equipment Caltech Tai Chi Club Women's Tennis concert Pool Winnett lounge, 7 p.m.-Meets Tuesdays and vs. University of San Bernardino, 9:30a.m . 234 S. Cata lina, 10 a.m . to 1 p.m.-Loans of Fridays weekly. Sessions are free. Information: kitchen and household necessities and baby www.its.caltech.edu/-taichi/. Track and Field In the mood for a little Mozart? The Caltech fu rniture are made to members of the Caltech Riverside Track Classic, at UC Riverside, 11 a.m. music department will present the 16th annual community. Information: 584-9773. All-Mozart Concerts on Saturday, April 6, and 16th Annual All-Mozart Concert Sunday, April 7, in Dabney Lounge. Women's Tennis Saturday, March 30 Dabney Lounge, 8 p.m .- The free program The works to be played are the Sinfonia vs. Pacific Lutheran University, 2 p.m. consists of Sinfonia Concertante, K. 364, Concertante in E-flat, K. 364, for solo violin, solo Baseball performed by Isaac See '03, violin, and Sean viola, and orchestra; and the "Great" Mass in doubleheader, at Simpson College, 11 a.m. Hardesty '04, viola; and the "Great" Mass in C Minor, K. 427, conducted by Don Caldwell, C Minor, K. 427, performed by the Caltech director of the Caltech Chamber Singers. These Tuesday, March 26 Track and Field Chamber Singers and the Chamber Orchestra. are two of Mozart's "milestones," Caldwell says, Cai/Nev State Meet, at Fresno State, 11 a.m. normally performed with a large orchestra and, in Preschool Playgroup The Second Hand the case of the mass, a large chorus. The concert Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Song and Beckman Auditorium, 8 p.m.- Three performers is notable in that it will present the works with a storytime, crafts and free play for toddlers and use their bodies and an odd assortment of props small chamber orchestra and a chorus of just 16 pre schoolers (from walking to age 4) . Informa­ Sunday, March 31 and costumes to create a sinewy blend of dance, voices. tion: (323) 550-8075 or [email protected]. wit, and muscle. Tickets and information: Caltech students Isaac See (violin) and Sean Track and Field 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or events@caltech. Hardesty (viola)-whom Caldwell calls " quite Caltech Tai Chi Club Cai/Nev State Meet, at Fresno State, 11 a.m. edu. Individuals with a disability: 395-4688 (voice) extraordinary undergrads"-will perform the Winnett lounge, 7:15 p.m.-Meets Tuesdays and or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public Events at www. Sinfonia along with a chamber orchestra. "Both Fridays weekly. Sessions are free. Information: events.caltech.edu. of these students have played major concerto www.its.caltech.edu/-taichi/. repertoire with the Caltech-Occidental Orchestra," Monday, April 1 he says. "The Brahms violin concerto and Walton Caltech Folk-Dancing Club viola concerto are major-league stuff. They both Dabney Lounge, 7:30 p.m.-Meets every Tuesday Baby Furniture and Household Equipment Sunday, April 7 are really fine players." until midnight. Drop-ins are welcome. Donations Pool A sophomore physics major, Hardesty began accepted. 234 S. Catalina, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.-Loans of Men's Tennis violin studies at age 5, and switched to the viola kitchen and household necessities and baby vs. alumni, 2 p.m. five years later. He was the principal violist for furniture are made to members of the Caltech three years at his Alexandria, Virginia, high community. Information: 584-9773. Women's Tennis school and in the 2000 Northern Virginia Senior Wednesday, March 27 vs. alumni, 2 p.m . Regional and Virginia All-State orchestras, and placed in several regional competitions. Hardesty Baby Furniture and Household Equipment 16th Annual All-Mozart Concert has performed in master classes with Roland and Pool Tuesday, April 2 Dabney Lounge, 3:30 p.m.-The free program Aim ita Vamos, and in the Cavani, Ying, and 234 S. Catalina, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.-Loans of consists of Sinfonia Concertante, K. 364, St. Lawrence string quartets, and has studied kitchen and household necessities and baby Preschool Playgroup performed by Isaac See '03, violin, and Sean with Ralph Fielding, Ricardo Cyncynates, and furniture are made to members of the Caltech Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Song and Hardesty '04, viola; and the "Great" Mass in Hazel Cheilek. community. Information: 584-9773. storytime, crafts and free play for toddlers and C Minor, K. 427, performed by the Caltech See, a junior studying mathematics and preschoolers (from walking to age 4) . Informa­ Chamber Singers and the Chamber Orchestra. biology, attended high school in Phoenix, Wednesdays in the Park tion: (323) 550-8075 or [email protected]. Arizona, where he studied violin with Frank Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Conversation Coleman Chamber Concert Spinosa at Arizona State University. In addition, and coffee for parents and caregivers, and Caltech Tai Chi Club Beckman Auditorium, 3:30 p.m.- The Eighth he was a member of the Phoenix Symphony playtime f or children. Information: 744-9919 or Winnett lounge, 7:15 p.m.-M eets--Tu esdaVS

Ensminger, from page 1 WEST, from page 1 Dodgers, from page 1 Specifically, she notes that the absence war; it's like the Wild West with armed forums and events on a regular basis. of disciplinary boundaries at Caltech is bandits on the loose." Collins notes that men are also wel­ spawning research that will " reshape the As a woman traveling alone, carrying come at the open forum discussions. philosophy of mind, behavioral econom­ cash, and in one of the few cars in the "Men are very important to any discus­ ics, and the frontier between neuro­ area, she is obviously a target for ban­ sion of women at Caltech." science, psychology, and economics, dits. And while she feels safe in the Orma The committee credits the Caltech while the division's uniquely seamless villages, she admits to being "unabash­ Women's Center for providing financial boundary between literature and history, edly terrified whenever I go on the roads support in WESTs first few months, be­ together with proximity to the Huntington in and out of that area." Still, that is fore the group recently received funding Library, affords us another opportunity to where 20 years of her research is, and from the President's Diversity Initiative blossom in the humanities." she is not willing to give it up. Fund. Melany Hunt, professor of me­ Ensminger is an uncommon anthro­ It is that kind of perseverance she chanical engineering, serves as faculty In addition to the game, the sights, and pologist: her line of research is in an area intends to bring to working with her col­ advisor for WEST, and a number of other known as experimental economics, a leagues as division chair. ''I'm honored faculty, including professors Hering, the Dodger Dogs, the entire Caltech contin­ field, she notes, that the division has and delighted to have the opportunity to Bronner-Fraser, Pamela Bjorkman, gent will also be there to witness Caltech president David Baltimore throw the first played a pivotal role in shaping. She is work with faculty of the extraordinary Frances Arnold, and Jackie Barton, have pitch to JPL director Charles Elachi. interested in how people make economic quality found here, and I look forward to lent their time and backing. decisions, and her work involves running the possibilities and challenges that lie Feedback to the group has been "very "''m available whenever they contact me," said Caltech's baseball coach John experiments-described to the partici­ ahead." positive, from both women and men," D'Auria. pants as games-that use real money in • Heilshorn said. "I've been really encour­ order to Jearn something about real be­ aged by that, and by the faculty re­ Tickets for this outing cost $10 per person and go on sale beginning April 1. havior. Unlike most experimental econo­ Scholarships, from page 1 sponse." Student sign-ups for the first They can be purchased at the Human mists, however, Ensminger takes the they think they're not qualified," he said. faculty lunch overflowed to fill the next Resources office, Tech Express, the ticket method out of the university laboratory "But we give every applicant equal con­ several lunches, and a recent panel dis­ office, and at the credit union's La and into small-scale communities in sideration. We encourage students not to cussion, "A Day in the Life of a Caltech Canada branch. At JPL, tickets will be Africa and elsewhere. disqualify themselves ahead of time." Professor," drew a crowd estimated at sold at the employee store. The simplest game she uses plays for The competition is notable both for its more than 100. The audience eagerly Caltech has arranged for charter buses fairly high stakes, usually a day's wages, basis-solely on merit, without regard to listened as faculty members discussed that will leave campus that morning for whether the game is played in Hamilton, financial need-and for the size of the their day-to-day work and how they Dodger Stadium at 10:45 a.m. The charge Missouri, or Wayu, Kenya. Ensminger will awards. Scholarships range from three­ juggle careers, families, and personal is $3. Parking for private vehicles is avail­ bring a group of people together to play in time. quarters tuition to full tuition and room able at the stadium for $8. pairs. Player one is told he or she has, say, and board, which last year translated into The event shed light on many ques­ • $50 to divide with the other person; both awards of $15,678 to $27,450. tions facing students, said Collins. Topics will remain anonymous to one another, "I think this is very unusual for a uni­ covered everything from a professor's and player one can give player two any versity to do," says Paul Bellan, professor administrative responsibilities to how to amount or nothing. How is the money of applied physics and chair of the Schol­ become a good manager, to dealing with divided? More fairly than one might arships and Financial Aid Committee. "It's the "two-body problem"-referring to the guess, often as high as a 50-50 split. our way of recognizing true scholarship dilemma of couples who meet in graduate First baseperson Even more counterintuitive to con­ and the outstanding students here." school, marry, and then must both find ventional economic theorizing, says He says that awards aren't based only good jobs in the same city. Added Watson, Ensminger, is that the more involved a on a stellar grade-point average, "other­ "Dennis Dougherty [Hoag Professor of society is in a market economy-that is, wise we could just have the registrar send Chemistry and a panelist) said afterward working for wages, or raising something us a computer file." The selection commit­ that 'there's obviously a need' for this kind (crops or cattle) and selling it in order to tee also considers exceptional experi­ of information." live-the fairer people tend to be. Across ences, such as a Summer Undergraduate WESTs next event will be a combined 16 societies studied around the world, Research Fellowship or noteworthy sum­ women's art exhibit and wine and cheese the United States is the most fair-minded mer job; the applicant's personal state­ social on Friday, April 26, from 3 to 6 reported to date, while hunter-gatherers ment; and faculty recommendations. p.m. in Dabney Lounge. The event is are the least. Bellan notes that the selection process open to all women of the Caltech com­ For almost 25 years, Ensminger has is fairly rigorous, not unlike choosing munity, and students are especially traveled to Africa, living and studying with students for admission to the Institute. encouraged to submit their artwork. the Orma tribe, partially nomadic cattle The selection committee, comprising To make a submission, contact westclub herders in northeastern Kenya, near the seven to eight faculty members and stu­ @caltech.edu by April 5. Somali border, where she will return this dents, reads more than 100 applications Monahan said, "We wanted a social Freshman Kristen Zortman plays first base (and summer for five weeks. In the beginning, and ranks each one. The awards number event to introduce WEST to the campus. is the sole woman) on this year's Beaver team. she lived in a tent on the grounds of a 40 to 50 per year, recognizing the top 5 to And the art aspect fits well with our mis­ local school, in a place frequented by 8 percent of Institute students. sion. As graduate students, we often feel roaming lions at night. Now she stays in The Merit Awards are made possible defined by that role. We thought this the compound of the local chief, but there through endowments provided by the would be a good way to celebrate other is a greater danger-banditry. Stuart Foundation, the Wasserman Stu­ areas of life, and get to know people in a "My field site became very dangerous dent Aid Endowment, the Rosalind W. different light other than in a Jab." in the 1990s because of the collapse of Alcott Endowment, and the John Stauffer The steering committee welcomes the Somali state," says Ensminger. Charitable Trust. Applications are due in suggestions for future events and discus­ "There is an ethnic conflict between the the Financial Aid Office by 5 p.m. on sion issues. For more information, e-mail Orma and the Somali, who want to take Friday, April 12. For more information, [email protected] or visit the over Orma territory. A phenomenal num­ contact the Financial Aid Office at ext. group's Web site at www.its.caltech.edu/ ber of people I know have either been 6280 or [email protected]. - westclub. shot or killed by the bandits. It's not a • • Caltech 336 ......

The campus community biweekly California Institute of Technology March 21, 2002, vol. 2, no. 6 Pasadena, California 91125

Editor: Daryn Kobata ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED (626) 395-6240; [email protected] Assistant Editor: Javier Marquez (626) 395-6624; [email protected] Calendar Administrator: Debbie Bradbury (626) 395-3630; [email protected] Graphic Artist: Doug Cummings Photographer: Bob Paz Published by the Office of Public Relations