The California Tech Volume CXVIII Number 21 Pasadena, California [email protected] april 6, 2015

California water Students join Caltech Y to volunteer in Make-A-Difference Day crisis induces cutbacks and paradigm shifts

LORI DAJOSE Contributing Writer

California Gov. Jerry Brown issued an unprecedented executive order last week mandating the reduction of water usage across 400 local water supply agencies. Each agency must come up with and enforce restrictions on consumers and businesses to reduce water usage by 25%. California is now in its fourth consecutive year of drought, with this past winter yielding record low snowfall. The Sierra Nevada snowpack is one of the major sources of water for Southern California, but this year it is only 6% of its normal volume. Climate models suggest that in the coming years precipitation will fall more as rain and less as snow. The current system of dams and reservoirs may not be able to handle this — a gradual snowmelt over time is much easier to control than sudden deluges. (Top) Students went to Hillsides Home for at-risk children, and built and raced rocket cars with a group of teenage boys. (Bottom) At Lifeline for Pets, volunteers Ironically, the warmer climate and cleaned rooms where abandoned cats stay, washed linen, swept floors, organized the shelter, and played with some of the cats in the shelter. Other MAD Day volun- the drought could thus cause large teer opportunites included visiting the Boys and Girls Club in Del Mar, Del Mark Park, Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, and the LA Arboretum. floods. Geologists and engineers Photos Courtesy of Hillsides Home (top) and Aleena Patel (bottom) are brainstorming new systems to manage storage and prevent Project Scientist, Caltech bring STEM education to Pasadena girls “California is no NEHALY SHAH stereotypes that much of society Project Scientist served nearly 500 “[Michalakis’] enthusiasm Editor-in-Chief has around girls in STEM. Girls girls. Most recently, in the fall of for the program inspired me to longer simply ex- (like boys) love science, especially 2014, “we piloted our afterschool figure out a way to help bring this periencing a severe Project Scientist Academy, a at young age. Since founding and teacher workday program, so program to our local K-12 students. period of drought. five-week summer camp, offers Project Scientist my hypothesis that we could have touch points Broadening the STEM pipeline to science, technology, engineering is continually confirmed that kids with the girls we serve year-round, include more girls is a key goal for It is undergoing a and math (STEM) learning as young as four are capable of while inspiring other girls to reach us in Caltech’s Center for Teaching, permanent change opportunities for girls of ages four understanding science concepts for their STEM dreams,” said Learning, & Outreach,” said Aiken. in climate.” to 14. The program, originally and that girls’ interests go beyond Marshall. “As we explored working with established in North Carolina, the stereotypical female STEM Last year Marshall reached out Project Scientist, I felt that teaming will come to Southern California majors and careers,” said Marshall. to Spiros Michalakis, who is the up with a local elementary school widespread damages in this event. this summer from June 8 to July As a part of The STEM Funders manager of outreach activities would be a great way to strengthen Brown’s actions last week signal 24 at the Caltech and Longfellow Network while at The NASCAR for the Institute for Quantum the community connection.” Thus the beginning of an overhaul in the Elementary School campuses. Foundation, “I had access to the Information and Matter (IQIM) at Project Scientist will be on Caltech control and consumption of water. Founder Sandy Marshall was latest … research around girls in Caltech. As such, he is also the club and Longfellow Elementary School They also mark an important inspired to start Project Scientist STEM and experts at the table to vet adviser for InnoWorks Academy, campuses in Pasadena as well paradigm shift: California is no by her own daughter. “She was a my ideas around Project Scientist,” another Caltech summer program as three university campuses in longer simply experiencing a severe curious four-year-old that loved said Marshall. By 2012, Marshall that will be on campus from June Charlotte this summer. Project period of drought. It is undergoing science; my husband and I worked launched the first session of Project 15 to 19, the week in June that Scientist also runs a year-round club a permanent change in climate. fulltime and needed a summer Scientist out of her guesthouse Project Scientist will be in hiatus so at public and private elementary Water is a decisive factor option that fit her interests and as an LLC with two teachers, six that girls who want to participate schools in both markets. in California’s status as a giant academic needs as well as our students (of ages four to six), and in both programs can do so. This summer Project Scientist of agriculture, technology schedules. At the same time, as six female STEM professionals. “I After Michalakis and Marshall will have concept goals for each age and industry. Will food prices executive director and founder of built every second around what met, Michalakis was invited to group. “This will be a joint effort of skyrocket due to cutbacks in farm The NASCAR Foundation, I was research has proven to drive and North Carolina to observe Project the entire Project Scientist staff water usage? Will businesses funding many STEM initiatives and maintain girls’ interests in STEM,” Scientist in action for one week. “I and parents to ensure their girls still flock to Silicon Valley and I became increasingly aware and said Marshall. was so impressed by the quality of grasp these concepts that align Los Angeles if water bills are concerned of the lack of females in Project Scientist has since the program that I decided to talk to with Common Core and Next Gen prohibitively expensive? The state STEM majors and careers. grown: in 2013, it became a public Mitch Aiken to bring the program Science Standards,” said Marshall. is renowned for rapid growth and “Having a ‘STEM girl’ and 501(c)(3) nonprofit and landed on campus the next summer,” said Each week of the summer session innovation as the world’s seventh having been a ‘STEM girl’ myself, its first university contract in Michalakis. Aiken is the associate has a theme, chosen through a largest economy — but all of that I understand how girls may Charlotte, North Carolina, where director for educational outreach variety of ways. “For example, we could soon come to a grinding halt feel different or not always feel it served 95 girls in a six-week in the provost’s academic program without water. aligned with the perceptions and program. In the summer of 2014, at Caltech. Continued on page 2

OPINION | page 3 OPINION | page 3 FEATURE | page 4 SPORTS | page 5 In this Indiana passes new Interim ASCIT kshitij offers per- women’s tennis law concerning president discusses spective on manag- sees wins in singles issue discrimination teaching ing email matches news 2 april 6, 2015 THE CALIFORNIA TECH Caltech Y Column: News & Events Project Scientist reaches out CALTECH Y The Caltech Y is turning 100 caltechy.org/programs_services/ to girls interested in STEM and would like to commemorate areas/Studenski/index.php. The Caltech Y Column serves to this momentous occasion with a Continued from page 1 and assistants to our teachers,” inform students of upcoming events centennial t-shirt. We are looking 4. Caltech Y ACT Award said Marshall. and volunteer opportunities. The for a creative and original design Applications are due by Friday, want girls to find STEM relevant to Project Scientist has already list is compiled by Neera Shah from and invite all undergraduate and April 17th at noon their community, so last summer expanded from the east coast to information given by the Caltech Y graduate students to participate. Your World Awaits. Caltech Y in Charlotte we had energy week. the west coast since its inception, and its student leaders. Submit your design for a chance to ACT Award! How will you spend We approached Duke Energy to and Marshall has further growth Founded by students in 1916, win! your summer? engage their female engineers in mind. “Our short term goals are the Y was organized to provide All submissions are due Tackle homelessness, capital during the week and serve as to continue to tweak and build on extracurricular activities planned Wednesday, April 8th at noon. punishment, HIV/AIDS, STEM Superstars. Our Wednesday the model to create efficiencies yet and implemented by students as Email your design to caltechy@ immigration, poverty, or other ‘Expedition’ was to their sustain our outcomes and impacts an opportunity to learn leadership caltech.edu. challenge you choose - it’s your headquarters where girls got to see for the girls we serve. We also hope skills and discover themselves. The There will be a 36 hour voting opportunity to ACT! The Caltech Y behind the scenes of the company to continue to grow in the Los mission of today’s Y remains the period for all students to select the ACT Award, made possible through and witness those females in their Angeles market and others as the same—to provide opportunities top 3. the generous support of the Caltech workplace,” said Marshall. Project need and partners are identified,” that will prepare students to A committee from the Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union, Scientist organizers also determine said Marshall. “Our long-term goals become engaged, responsible Y and Caltech Store will pick the offers students an opportunity to themes through their curriculum are to create more female scientists citizens of the world. The Y seeks winning design from the top 3 to purse an interest in community partner SciGirls (a PBS founded and ultimately change the culture to broaden students’ worldviews, be on the official centennial t-shirt service or advocacy. and National Science Foundation for girls and women in STEM. We raise social, ethical, and cultural by Monday April 13. Partner with an organization funded TV show). plan to achieve this through our awareness through teamwork, Each of the top 3 submissions that is changing the world. Explore Project Scientist’s recent pipeline approach with the girls community engagement, activism, will receive a $25 gift card to the real world issues in our local partnership with Caltech brought we serve, university and corporate and leadership. More information Caltech Store. community, across the nation, new connections and opportunities engagement, and public relations about the Caltech Y and its The winning design will be or around the globe - and make for Expeditions. “For example, efforts around girls in STEM.” programs can be found at https:// printed, and t-shirts will be sold at a difference in the world. The for coding week we are working Michalakis has similar caltechy.org. The office is located at the Caltech Store. $4500 Caltech Y ACT Award offers with Caltech on a visit to Google, development plans in mind for 505 S. Wilson Avenue. Art must fit on the front chest students an opportunity to explore Microsoft, and YouTube. For Project Scientist. “I want to see area of t-shirt. Designs can have up an issue, engage in a cause, and transportation week we hope Project Scientist take strong roots Upcoming Events to two colors. lead a campaign to educate and to visit JPL to learn about the at Caltech before expanding to engage others at Caltech. Caltech Mars rovers and then Auto Club places like UCSD, UCSF, MIT, 1. Science Policy Lunch 3. The Studenski Award Y activists determine the cause Speedway /NASCAR to learn about Harvard, Stanford and other top Series with Professor David Proposals Due Friday, April they will address, the organization the engineering around racing.” tier universities. The first step is to Goodstein 17th no later than noon with whom they will partner, and The program also has a new coding establish strong corporate partners Tuesday | April 7th | 12:000 - Are you wondering about the the type of campaign they will lead partner for younger girls this locally so that we can increase the 1:30 PM | Location TBA next step in your life? Have you on campus. The Caltech Y ACT summer: codeSpark, a Pasadena number of full-ride scholarships RSPV Here: http://goo.gl/ reached a crossroad where you Award helps Caltech Students startup that “is filling a void of for girls on the PUSD and LAUSD forms/iUzbXrEoxG would benefit from an opportunity expand their understanding of the coding curriculum for young kids free/reduced lunch program. The The Caltech Y Social Activism to explore? Would a trip, an world unleashing them to change (and the main character is a girl!),” second step is to involve Caltech Speaker Series on scientific opportunity to volunteer with the world for the better as active said Marshall. faculty and students as mentors reproducibility will conclude with an organization, or a chance to citizens. The program’s incorporation and guides for the five weeks a lunch discussion about scientific try a new skill or interest this Applications are due by Friday, of experiments and hands-on during the summer program, [and] fraud. Professor David Goodstein is summer help you gain clarity? If April 17th at noon. Stop by the learning offers “a balance between even more importantly, as leaders a Professor of Physics and Applied you answered yes to any of these Caltech Y during our office hours what I call ‘shock and awe’ science in the community who go on to Physics here at Caltech and served questions, then the Studenski to learn more about this exciting [and] a deeper dive in curriculum create year-round Project Scientist as Vice Provost from 1988- 2007. Award might be for you. opportunity, contact us to ask to master specific STEM concepts Clubs in schools like Longfellow The Studenski questions or set up a separate time … [which] is unique to Project Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Memorial Award to meet. Scientist compared to most other Washington STEAM Academy and is a grant of up to More information and the summer camps and [is] something others,” said Michalakis. $6000 established application can be found at http:// our parents appreciate,” said Project Scientist is “looking for in the memory of www.caltechy.org/programs_ Marshall. The summer program individuals and companies who are Paul Studenski, a services/commservice/ACT/ also includes one hour of arts interested in inspiring STEM girls Caltech student index.php. integration per day not only “to in your city,” said Marshall. “We are who was killed in an reinforce the STEM concepts from especially interested in those who automobile accident 5a. Pasadena LEARNS earlier in the day, but also to drive would like to fund scholarships for while traveling across Friday | 3:00 - 5:00pm | innovation and creativity. Typically girls with an aptitude, talent, and the United States in Madison and Jackson Elementary we engage with local artists and passion for STEM, yet may not be 1974. It is awarded to a School | Pasadena groups to partner on the execution able to afford camp. We believe Caltech undergraduate Come volunteer at Madison and of the arts hours,” said Marshall. there are STEM Superstars in every who, having reached Jackson Elementary School! We Another unique attribute of neighborhood that deserve to geek a crossroads in life, are partnered with the Pasadena Project Scientist, compared to other out all summer with us on science!” would benefit from a LEARNs program and work with summer camps, is that professional period away from the their Science Olympiad team or teachers from the local area are Project Scientist is offering $50 academic community do regular tutoring along with hired, which “provides them with off through April 12 for each week Professor David Goodstein to obtain a better occasional hands-on science a summer of hands-on training a student signs up for; Caltech Photo Courtesy of Caltech Y understanding of self experiments. Transportation is on STEM teaching tools and and JPL employees will receive and to explore possible provided. For more information techniques that they take back to an additional $50 off through During his tenure as Vice Provost, directions for the future. and to RSVP, contact vkkumar@ their classroom in the fall, making April 12 (qualifying applicants Professor Goodstein oversaw all Studenski proposals (1 to 2 caltech.edu. Eligible for Federal our impact exponential. We also must write Caltech or JPL in the cases of scientific misconduct, and pages maximum) are due Friday, Work Study. hire interns (typically unpaid) referral box). Questions may be developed the Caltech Policy on April 17th no later than 12:00 noon college and high school girls who sent to Sandy Marshall at sandy@ Research Misconduct. Professor to [email protected] (in word 5b. Hathaway Sycamores serve as “near peers” to our girls projectscientist.org. Goodstein also authored On Fact format). For more information, Monday | 5:30-8:00pm | and Fraud, a book providing contact Athena Castro athena@ Highland Park several examples of scientific caltech.edu or Greg Fletcher Volunteer at Hathaway- misconduct and the motivations [email protected] or join us for Sycamores, a group that supports behind them. Join us as we dinner: local underprivileged but motivated discuss the relationship between Studenski Informational high school students. There are a reproducibility and fraud and how Dinner variety of ages and subjects being to reduce the occurrence of fraud in Monday, April 6th - 5:30 PM tutored. The service trip includes the future. Hosted by Tom Mannion at his about an hour of travel time and 1.5 house hours of tutoring. Transportation 2. Caltech Y Centennial RSVP by April 2nd to http:// is included. For more info and to T-Shirt Competition tinyurl.com/studenski RSVP email Sherwood Richers Submissions due Wednesday, More information and the at [email protected]. April 8th at Noon application can be found at http:// Eligible for Federal Work Study. Photo Courtesy of Sandy Marshall Opinion THE CALIFORNIA TECH april 6, 2015 3 Corn grows plenty fast in Indiana, From the (Interim) President’s Desk: A simple proposal for but discrimination grows faster improving teaching SEAN MCKENNA possibility that Indiana’s law could government can combat backlash Contributing Writer justify refusal of service to gays and against legal advances. CONNOR ROSEN better than grade distributions lesbians. States and cities imposed Progressives applaud the Interim ASCIT President for telling instructors about The most thrilling situation I travel bans to Indiana, causing recent series of court rulings differences in background between could imagine myself in: Skydiving? concern among businesses and legitimizing same-sex marriage, Several years ago, a column groups in the class, because seeing No. Winning the Stanley Cup? Nah. organizations such as Angie’s List starting with Windsor v. US in ran in The Tech titled “From two populations working for very Calling a presidential election for a and the NCAA, both headquartered the Supreme Court in 2013 and the President’s Desk,” where the different amounts of time to get the national news network? Well that in Indianapolis. This led the continuing through lower level ASCIT President wrote about same grade says something about certainly gets me all atwitter, and Indiana business lobby to join courts in 2014. In what was clearly issues facing the undergraduate the class that wouldn’t be clear the obvious first step on the path human rights activists in pressing a reaction to the 2014 court ruling student body or their thoughts on from the grade distribution. Each to becoming a nationally beloved the Indiana legislature to fix the legalizing gay marriage in Indiana, particular aspects of the Caltech week, TAs who notice trends in political reporter is to write about law. Christian groups such as Advance student experience. In the next few problem difficulty could alter their politics for The Tech. So here I am. On April 2 both states passed America and the American Family weeks, I’ll revive that column. It recitations to focus on the areas As a Tech writer, I’d like to offer “fixes” to their laws. Arkansas Association of Indiana expected will be a mixture of my opinions, that most students are finding most two forms of political commentary: passed a new version of its law that the Religious Freedom Restoration policies or changes at Caltech difficult. summary and argumentation. more closely mirrors the federal Act to exempt Christians from that students should know about, If you feel ambitious, I Summary because we need sources Religious Freedom Restoration providing services for same-sex and things that ASCIT or other encourage you to write a full of facts in a world where complex Act of 1993, signed by Bill Clinton. weddings. To me, newly earned interested students may want to sentence about each problem once legal ideas are boiled down to Indiana added specific wording to same-sex marriage rights seem work on changing in the future. you’re done. Write “I spent 10 hashtags, and argumentation explicitly prohibit denial of service incredibly fragile if they can be This first article will focus on a hours on this problem, because the because I’m full of opinions. under the law on the basis of “sexual halted or reversed by legislative small suggestion for students that formula in the notes is wrong and orientation or gender identity.” action influenced by special takes an active effort to make it I couldn’t get the algebra to work This week, I’m focusing on The Arkansas fix was a safe interests. easy for professors and TAs to out until I checked the textbook; the developments regarding the move meant to avoid controversy. To ensure the proper legal improve their course organization this was the biggest waste of time Religious Freedom Restoration Indiana’s fix, however, is a small defenses are available to members and teaching. I’ve ever had,” or “I spent 10 hours Acts, which unfolded this week and gay rights victory, as it marks the of the LGBT community, I firmly Undergraduates spend a lot on this problem because it was last in Indiana and Arkansas. first explicit protections in state law believe states need to protect sexual of time working on sets, and a lot really interesting and I wanted to from discrimination against LGBT orientation and gender identity of time complaining about sets — find the best possible proof; I didn’t On March 26 Indiana’s governor residents. The overall impact of under state civil rights legislation. sometimes justifiable complaints, mind spending that much time at passed a law, the Religious the Religious Freedom Restoration Without such protections, recent and sometimes not. I think it is time all!” Give the instructors real-time Freedom Restoration Act, which Act is thus unclear, as there is legal gains can be tarnished by the for us to do something proactive feedback, instead of waiting for legitimized using “a ‘substantial some evidence that special interest whim of lawmakers and the pen of to help professors improve course TQFRs. I have a glorious pipe dream burden’ on one’s religious beliefs” groups originally expected the law an executive. organization and teaching, and of professors seeing a bimodal as a legal defense. Twenty other to provide a legal defense for not potentially help ourselves as well. distribution in their class of effort states and the federal government participating in gay weddings. I do not claim to be an expert I have one very simple suggestion put into the sets, asking the ARC to have passed Religious Freedom The controversy of these laws on politics, current events, or the to try to get this started — every investigate, finding out that it’s due Restoration Acts protecting from thus appears pacified, but I believe law; I merely enjoy making myself student should write, on every to differences in prior coursework, burdens imposed by government, it exposes the ongoing hazards to heard. I encourage readers to make problem of every set, how long they and working with the Center for but the Indiana law also allowed the civil rights of LGBT Americans. themselves heard after reading my spent on that problem. Teaching, Learning, & Outreach one to claim that the “substantial Gays and lesbians in Indiana and articles. It is in your interest and This takes practically no time (CTLO) to have one of the TAs burden” was imposed by another Arkansas were at the mercy of mine to react and respond to my and effort on our part — we already do a special recitation for people private party. the legislature and the governor’s writing, since intellectual growth complain about difficult problems missing a course that wasn’t listed On March 31 the Arkansas decision of whether to “fix” the law. is best furthered by refuting and anyways. The first thing it does as a prerequisite but is actually legislature also passed a similar Civil rights laws exist specifically to defending one another’s opinions. for us, though, is it forces us to assumed for some problems in the bill, but the governor of Arkansas prevent this situation, for they are Find my email address on Donut reflect for 30 seconds on how we class (classes that secretly require did not sign or veto it and told a commitment by government to if you’d like to send me your worked through a set, and allows ACM 095, I’m looking at you). Cue legislators to try again. By then, prioritize protection of a vulnerable thoughts. us to compare between sets even laughter from the students — but the nation was in uproar over the group of people. In doing so, after our memory of old sets has let’s give it a try, because it’s easy faded. Maybe I notice that all the for us and the payoff if it works is problems I worked through with enormous. friends took longer than problems I In the best case scenario, if : A fresh take did alone — this might indicate that every student did this, professors I’m less focused when working with would be able to quickly respond other people. That’s fine if I choose to issues of understanding and on old habits for to accept that, but at least it’s a difficulty in the class, adjusting it conscious decision. Or I notice that to the level they felt was necessary NAILEN MATSCHKE famous instance of their mayhem, dominated by blaring blown- all the non-collaboration problems to understand the material. They Contributing Writer however, is The Powers That B out guitars and an even stronger take me five hours longer — this could realize that students who use itself, a double : the second focus on ’s drums, with might be a sign that I’m relying too a particular optional resource are Few artists can claim to have CD is titled Jenny Death, root of a large number of the beats being heavily on my study group, and not having fewer issues than people generated anywhere near the level the “Jenny Death when?” meme driven by an acoustic kit and really getting the material as well using the textbook, and recommend of controversy that Death Grips has resulting from rabid fans having incorporating hardcore influences. as I should be — maybe it’s time that resource to other students. during the group’s short career, to wait nine months between the The group is no stranger to being for me to buy the textbook, get a They could focus on subgroups and even fewer have continued to two releases. Now that the latter likened to a punk act, and it’s a fair tutor, and focus more heavily on of the class that have issues with make worthwhile contributions has finally been released, we no comparison to make considering this class. A little bit of reflection on certain types of problems (e.g., to their catalog while doing so. longer have to be concerned about the aggressive and gritty aesthetic, multiple sets could go a long way. proofs versus derivations), or even Yet in four years the Sacramento- whether The Powers That B is a anti-establishment messages and I also think this could go a long use the information to inform based trio has managed to put out disappointing final album for Death general embodiment of the same way towards helping professors and questions to the CTLO or the a mixtape, four studio , Grips, but is it still a satisfying entry sort of ideals. On Jenny Death, TAs improve their classes. It gives ARC, to improve the class overall. and an instrumental soundtrack, to their discography? It’s tough to though, it really feels as though real-time feedback to instructors In the worst case scenario, we all all packed front-to-back with argue that the answer should be the decided to embrace this on what works and what doesn’t waste two minutes on every set, some of the most violent, dark anything less than a firm “yes,” but component of its sound, and the work on sets — and whether they but at least when we complain and groundbreaking hip-hop fans should be thankful that Jenny result is a refreshing, somehow are accurately gauging the amount about how professors don’t care ever released. More an act of Death is good enough to be an even more unique brand of hip- of work students need to do to about improving the class, we have performance art than just a music album on its own. hop with just as much raw energy understand the material. It works evidence to support it. project, the group takes everything On the surface, the album’s as before. There are a few times they possibly can to the next level second disc is the least a Death when it feels unnecessary or instrumentation and the anthemic creates that take advantage of the and members have gained notoriety Grips studio album has ever underutilized, usually when the ability of rock guitar and falls short best parts of hip-hop and hardcore. for the twisted games they play sounded like Death Grips. Instead guitar is stuck with too simple a in either direction. On the whole, Yet while Death Grips with their fans, like announcing of the thick, distorted electronic melody (e.g., during MC Ride’s however, I think the choice to add experiments with these new their break-up only to go on a tour sound that powered the destructive verses on “Centuries of Da--”), these elements to the Death Grips sounds, the reason the group is and say that they “might make energy of No Love Deep Web, as it ends up caught between the mix pays off in the moments it some more.” Perhaps the most in many places these tracks are versatility of purely electronic Continued on page 7 Feature 4 april 6, 2015 THE CALIFORNIA TECH Techers enjoy food and dancing at annual ASCIT Formal

Photos Courtesy of Katherine Guo Kshitij talks college students and convenient email etiquette KSHITIJ GROVER of stuff you could be handling well, through irrelevant messages Thanks for considering my Hope you’re well. Set 4 is Contributing Writer or you’re straight up wasting time. to find what you want. Most request. Let me know if you need attached; let me know if I need to The email experience boils down email apps have incredibly good anything else from me. Have a revise anything. People love to make the case to two basic things: consumption search algorithms. Offload all your nice evening, and see you in class Have a good weekend! that email is dying. I’ve heard again and composition. efforts. That’s your main goal with tomorrow. Best, and again that it’s a poor form of every aspect of email. Best Regards, communication, makes no sense Consumption • Combined, not It’s not trite to the point of in a connected world—even that First and foremost, you’re going separate. I’ve seen this way too Ok, so it’s a bit artificial. But rudeness. That’s the key—keeping it’s an epidemic. to suck at replying to messages if many times—students still use a this really is something people do. it short without making it sound Look, things like Slack are you can’t effectively parse your separate portal for their college There are a few things to keep in standoffish. Don’t be afraid of great. Just don’t expect me, as a inbox. Personally, I use Inbox on email. Import the account. There mind to avoid this: short emails: college student, to stop using email mobile and Mailbox on Mac (Inbox is no excuse for having to load two • Cut the [fluff]. Don’t Cool, makes sense—thanks! anytime soon: It’s about midday does have a web app, but it’s websites. fluff your email like you fluff your and I’ve opened, read, and replied bloated and certainly doesn’t feel essays. Honestly, there’s no better Slightly longer: to 30 emails today. native). Either way, you need to: Composition way to say that. Formality doesn’t Hey Alex, At a glance, that may not seem • Use Archive well. I compose about 45% of my help anyone—you take more time, Are you free for coffee? Let’s like much. But remember—that As soon as a conversation gets emails on mobile, and I’m able and people have more to parse (and catch up next week. Been working doesn’t count all the notifications resolved, swipe right (no—not to do that because of my general they even could feel the obligation on my thesis, and I’ve made some that I need (but immediately that kind of swipe). Archive the philosophy regarding emails— to return it). progress on research. archive). That doesn’t count purely thread, and clear it from your whether it’s another student, a • Keep it short—tell the How does Monday look for informational newsletters (like inbox. Having 10,000 read things professor, someone in industry, or recipient what you want. Pretty you? Medium Top Stories) or email- in your inbox doesn’t do you any anyone else. It’s nothing special, much all the email you’re going to Best, based alerts that no one replies to. good. Don’t worry—just because but it is important. be sending is a request. They’re Bob It’s only email that I’ve read and it’s not in your inbox doesn’t mean Let’s look at a type of email I doing you a favor, and you should replied to. The total number of it’s gone. Keep your attention to would hate to receive: value their time—trust me, being Note that if you’re making a conversations exceeds 120. active conversations. I rarely Hello Professor, ‘nice’ has nothing to do with being specific request, you need to have more than 20 threads in my Hope you’re having a cordial formal. Keep it to the point, and suggest a specific action item Lots of Email. Lots of Time. inbox at a time—the fewer you day. I thoroughly enjoyed your show that you care about the other (e.g., when you want to meet). As someone in college, your see when you open your app, the class this morning, and I’ve things they have to do. That’s nice. time is worth a whole lot more better. been arduously working on the • Emails aren’t to Whether you think email than it has ever been in the past. • Search efficiently. This homework assignment. impress. Don’t use random big sucks or not, it’s important That’s why you should care. Either one’s really easy, and it ties into I have enclosed a rough draft words—clarity is first and foremost. enough that you can’t afford you’re being efficient with your the last one. It’s not in your inbox, of Set 4, and I would be grateful if Rephrased: to suck at it, especially if email, you’re ignoring a whole lot but you should never scroll you could review it. Hello Professor, you’re in college. Sports THE CALIFORNIA TECH april 6, 2015 5 Enlow scores goal because she’s so cool Singles perform well GOCALTECH.COM in the second quarter to post a 14-3 season to pull the margin back to GOCALTECH.COM Palma, Calif. / Oxford Acad.) Actual Sports Content Editor victory. Redlands improves to 3-21 two at 4-2. Redlands would net Actual Sports Content Editor notched a pair of games for Caltech overall and 1-2 in the SCIAC while four more late in the quarter to at #2. The Leopards clinched the PASADENA, Calif. (Mar. 28, Caltech is now 0-12 (0-2). lead 8-2 at halftime and increased CLAREMONT, Calif. (Apr. 3, match shortly after singles play 2015) – Junior Soumya Kannan Redlands scored the first it to 10-2 before Kannan completed 2015) – Sophomore Sophia Chen commenced as the No. 11-ranked (Palo Alto, Calif. / Henry M Gunn) three goals of the contest before her brace with just 37 seconds (Newport Beach, Calif. / Corona Del player in the West region, Laina netted her seventh brace of the Kannan struck at the 1:09 mark in remaining in the third quarter. The Mar) and freshman Rachel Morton Matsuda, did not drop a game at season as the Caltech women’s the first quarter on an extraman Bulldogs struck for four more in a (Oxford, Ohio / Talawanda) won at #1 and Areli Martinez closed out water polo team hosted the opportunity. The Bulldogs shutout fourth quarter to put the #2 and #5 singles, respectively, as #6 quickl, 6-1, 6-0. University of Redlands in a SCIAC netted the opener in the second game out of reach. the Caltech women’s tennis team The Leopards also won #3 and matchup on Saturday morning. quarter but senior Monica Enlow battled the No. 26 University of #4 singles in straight sets, but the The Bulldogs got out to an early (Suwanee, Ga. / North Gwinnett) La Verne at the Claremont Club on Beavers left on a high note with lead and distanced themselves late answered with her fourth of the Friday afternoon. victories in the final two matches. The Leopards posted a 7-2 Both Chen and Morton won their victory to improve to 9-4 overall first set by identical 6-4 scores, and and 3-1 in the SCIAC, while the Morton dominated the second, Beavers are now 5-8 (0-5). 6-1, to earn the Beavers’ first point. La Verne swept doubles, Chen had some more work to do including a pair of 8-0 wins at after dropping her second set, 6-3, courts #1 and #3 while freshmen but responded emphatically with a Vinci Chen (Austin, Texas / 10-3 superbreaker. Westwood) and Grace Yao (La

Sometimes I wish I could remember the moments when these pictures could have been taken, but sadly all of my memories of Soumya Kannan beasting it up in the pool are fleeting ... mostly because I’m drowning the whole time. -http://gocaltech.com

Everybody get up; it’s time for Sophia Chen to slam now. -http://gocaltech.com

Garrett Levine stands unyielding at the plate despite harsh stares from the opposing team. Photo Courtesy of Nhi Casey via http://gocaltech.com

Harrison Jacobs does his best to keep a straight face sliding home. I’m doing my best with these captions, but man, I’m When in doubt, just creep on the men’s tennis page to find really cool pictures of losing my touch... Morgan Lebby giving gravity-defying performances on the court. Photo Courtesy of Nhi Casey via http://gocaltech.com -http://gocaltech.com Announcements 6 april 6, 2015 THE CALIFORNIA TECH

ASCIT Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Minutes for 31 March 2015. Taken by Sean McKenna.

Officers Present: Catherine Jamshidi, Connor Rosen, Patrick Nikong, Annie Chen, Sean McKenna

Guests: Chris Dosen, Elliott Simon, Nikita Sirohi, Anne Dorsey, Bianca Lepe, Margaret Lee

Call to Order: 12:05 pm

President’s Report (Connor):  Working to finalize rewording of BOC amendment which didn’t pass. We will be hosting a town hall to talk about reason for the change. Goal is make sure people know what’s going on and have the opportunity to ask questions.  12 term tuition policy survey will be sent out. Especially be sure to respond to it if you have been affected by the mandate to pay for 12 terms of tuition.  UASH has been receiving more ineligibilities. We will make an effort to communicate the requirements more clearly.  Leadership series is being hosted by Tom Mannion this spring. Officer’s Reports:  V.P. of Academic Affairs (ARC Chair: Nima): o CUE/Vice Provost/Nima met and took over the homework due times issue. Goal is to make freshman core problem sets due between midnight and 2am for the next academic year. o Looking into what ARC can do to get professors to submit grades on time in order to prevent them from turning in late grades which can make students ineligible. o Working on teaching scheduling times. o Sending out a library survey about closed times.  V.P. of Non-Academic Affairs (IHC Chair: Cat): o Preparing for prefrosh weekend and meeting with the President. Goals for the year: improving diversity on campus, improving interhouse relations. o Holding interviews for Secretary this weekend. o Meeting with the SURF office to talk about summer ambassadors. o New Presidents and House Picks Officers are meeting with Housing to discuss the timeline for fall room picks.  Interim Director of Operations (Sean): o ASCIT Food for Prefrosh Weekend is happening Thursday night at midnight. Flyer Courtesy of John Onderdonk/Director of Sustainability at Caltech  Treasurer (Patrick): o Caltech Paddling Club applied for event funding. The California Tech  Social Director (Annie): Editors-in-Chief o ASCIT Formal will happen this weekend. People who Neera Shah are 21 or over get 3 free drink tickets. Caltech Nehaly Shah o ASCIT movie night is Avengers on May 1st. Page Editors  Secretary (Sean): Monica Enlow Katherine Guo o BOD meet and greet on Saturday 11 April to meet Ching-Yun (Chloe) Hsu current position holders in advance of upcoming Liz Lawler elections. Public Events Contributing Writers If anyone has any questions or concerns about a section of the minutes Brad Chattergoon Lori Dajose please email the appropriate officer. We are happy to answer any Kshitij Grover questions. The next meeting will take place on April 7th at Noon in the Nailen Matschke Winnett Common Space. Sean McKenna Connor Rosen Hiring Ushers Meeting Adjourned: 12:42 pm Circulation Manager Kit Chinetti Advisor YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. Flexible hours. Richard Kipling No experience needed. Caltech 40-58, Pasadena, CA 91125 Contact [email protected] Outgoing Personality. The Tech is published weekly except dur- Pay Rate: ing vacation and examination periods by REMINDER FROM the Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology, Inc. The opinions $15 per hour expressed herein are strictly those of the THE COUNSELING CENTER: authors and advertisers. Letters and submissions are welcome; e- mail submissions to [email protected] as plain-text attachments, including the au- Meditation Mob thor’s name, by Friday of the week before publication. The Tech does accept anony- Caltech Students mous contributions under special circum- (drop-in mindfulness stances. The editors reserve the right to edit and abridge all submissions for any only!! reason. All written work remains property meditation group) of its author. The advertising deadline is 5 PM Friday; all advertising should be submitted elec- Meets every Tuesday tronically or as camera-ready art, but The Contact: Adam Jacobo Tech can also do simple typesetting and arrangement. All advertising inquiries Bottom floor of Winnett should be directed to the business man- 626.395.5907 ager at [email protected]. For subscription 12:00-12:50 pm information, please send mail to “Sub- [email protected] scriptions.” feature THE CALIFORNIA TECH april 6, 2015 7

Brad/Chad Business Sudoku Tutorial: Not just theory BRAD CHATTERGOON found out that Pao was involved in Contributing Writer a sexual relationship with another junior partner at the firm that Hey, Caltech. I hope that the eventually ended, and even started, first week wasn’t too rough. Also on bad terms; at least according to welcome to campus to any prefrosh Pao. Pao alleges that the subsequent who might be reading this. One end of that relationship and piece of senior sage wisdom, do Bi eventual promotion of the other 001 before senior year. junior partner to senior partner led This week I want to talk about to several complications for Pao in something that will most likely the form of being left out of email not show up in any business chains and omitted from access literature that you have read: to other sources of information. I soft skills. We all know about imagine that engaging in a sexual the “hard skills” associated with relationship at work did not help business like marketing, finance, Pao’s case in the eyes of the jury. strategy, etc., but we very seldom Further, however, the promoted mention the “soft skills.” These junior partner was removed from include interacting with others, our the firm at the outset of the case. To perspectives on social boundaries be sure, this ended poorly for both at the office, networking, working parties. on a team, etc. These soft skills 2. It’s important to be loud are also controversial in a lot of and clear about any perceived ways because their execution can injustices when they happen -http://puzzlechoice.com sometimes vary based on gender, instead of waiting for several of sex, sexual orientation, and race. these perceptions to accumulate As I am writing this I am realizing before choosing to address them. Death Grips releases new, dynamic album that this article itself is going to be Further, in being loud and clear, controversial as well. ensure that the course of action Continued from page 3 It is important here to provide leaves a paper trail that can be some motivation for this article. readily referenced if these injustices still able to produce Some of you, although I expect are to be addressed by a larger entertaining music is very few, may have heard about body, say, for instance, a court of that compositionally the recent case of Ellen Pao v. law. At the same time, however, it this is almost a return Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. is important to know which battles to its pre-Government For a bit more of the “why should to fight and which to let go of. For Plates style. Ride’s we care” part of this article, Kleiner example, suppose some of the verses have never Perkins is one of the oldest and members of the firm decide to go been particularly easy most influential venture capital out for drinks after work but they to understand, but on firms in the world. They have don’t invite you. Filling a complaint been early stage investors in hot about them is sure to not only be and the first half ofThe startups like , Google and frivolous but also leave a bad taste Powers That B they Amazon, even before they were in your coworkers’ mouths. Instead became downright hot. Pao was a junior partner at the it might be more fruitful to take an obfuscated, and I feel firm for several years and recently interest in your coworkers, and as though the extra brought a law suit against Kleiner if they choose not to return that effort required to even Perkins for sexual discrimination interest it would behoove you begin to interpret it after her employment there was to find some coworkers that do. detracts from what terminated. I will leave collection If such coworkers do not exist, is otherwise such a of the case details to the reader chances are it may just be you and visceral experience. and will instead choose to focus on what you do with that realization is Jenny Death’s lyrics, the issues raised in the case that at your discretion. on the other hand, relate to the soft skills I have been don’t lay out everything referring to. To be continued… they’re trying to say 1. Workplace relationships with a sort of sickening are a bad idea. Hopefully you will -Brad/Chad simplicity, from “I have looked up the case details and Break Mirrors With -http://thirdworlds.net My Face In The United States” and the manic chanting of the album it most resembles is Listeners have endlessly its title to the disconcerting “Pss Government Plates, which itself discussed Death Grips since the Pss” and its flagrant disrespect for was somewhat of a departure from band first came on the scene, and other humans with lines like “I’m its predecessor No Love Deep there’s far more to be said about its the only thing ever on my mind / Web in its esoteric explorations most recent release, The Powers You’re one of those things I never of strange sounds and convoluted That B. Unsurprisingly, Death rewind.” There is hardly a moment lyrics. The first half of The Powers Grips has once again managed to on this part of the album in which That B is similarly abstract, create a sprawling work of dynamic, MC Ride doesn’t express hatred preferring instead to experiment thought-provoking art. Though the toward someone else or himself, with textures frequently involving album has its flaws, it manages the latter of which is particularly vocal samples of Björk. What’s to draw from across Death Grips’ prevalent thanks to numerous interesting about this is the way in discography and move into new mentions of suicide. This feels like which the samples are used; they’re territory at the same time. Opinions the death throes of Death Grips, often so short and mechanically on the album’s first half will likely letting out a torrent of their most looped that they stick out like a depend on which Death Grips animalistic creative products malfunctioning robot, and this album is your favorite, but I think that, like anything disturbing, creates a huge amount of tension Jenny Death (miraculously) beat is impossible not to bask in within the music as Björk’s and MC the hype, and will be remembered vicariously. Ride’s voices try unsuccessfully to as one of the group’s best works. So what’s wrong with the coexist in the same sonic space. It’s Together, the two form an album album’s first disc? Put simply, it’s a surprisingly abrasive effect, but which is a poor introduction for not that it does anything incorrectly without much substance behind first-time listeners, but by all Maintaining good relationships between coworkers is an important soft skill in so much as that it doesn’t have it the disc becomes more of a means deserves to be considered business. much to make it as special as novelty art piece than a memorable among its peers. -http://pixabay.com/ its counterpart. Stylistically, collection of tracks. Humor 8 april 6, 2015 THE CALIFORNIA TECH

“They grow up so fast” Georgio Kraggman Answers to previous crossword

-http://puzzlechoice.com

Answers to previous Sudoku

Acquired Taste Dr. Z

-http://puzzlechoice.com

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