Current PACE Fellows!

Vidya Venkatesan

I am an Astrophysics Ph.D. student at the University of California, Irvine. I work with Professor Aomawa L. Shields and explore the climate and habitability of exoplanets by combining observational data with computer models. Most habitable zone studies assume a circular orbit, but ~50% of confirmed planets have eccentricity greater than 0.1. As these planets spend a significant amount of time at large distances from their host star, they may have conditions where the atmosphere falls onto the surface and forms a variety of frozen species like carbon dioxide ice and water ice. My current NASA FINESST-funded project explores how the interaction between host star spectrum and surface ice composition shapes the fraction of an eccentric planet’s year over which it can be habitable using a suite of climate models. Besides research, I am also involved in outreach with the Rising Stargirls program and collaborate on some DEI efforts with the Cal-Bridge program. My hobbies include reading/watching science fiction, running, traveling, and swing dancing.

Qualification Exam Preparation, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Time Management, Fellowship Writing

Anthony Cho

Hi! I'm a 3rd year grad student with a focus on condensed matter/physical chemistry. I'm a member of Zuzanna Siwy's lab, researching the effect of salt precipitation in a variety of nanopores. In my personal time, I like to dance, watch TV/movies, go camping and travel to unique places. I am always mindful on how to prioritize my own wellbeing in all facets of my life. I strongly believe that mentorship can help students reflect on their situation, having personally had many great people mentor me.

Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Stress Strategies, General TA advice

Helena Garcia Escudero

My name is Helena, I'm starting my 3rd year as a astroparticle graduate student at UCI. My research is in the border line between cosmology and particle physics. I was born in Spain where I did my undergrad. I love doing sport outdoors, running and spending time with my friends, doing BBQs and trying new restaurants with worldwide cuisines.

Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Stress Strategies, Time Management, Fellowship Writing

Fernando Eizaguirre

Fernando is a third year Phd student researching plasma physics. He is from Seattle and enjoys dancing, painting, climbing and softball in his free time

Work-life Balance, Stress Strategies, Time Management, Qualification Exam Preparation

Cameron Moffett-Smith

I am a second year grad student in particle theory. I joined PACE because I mentored in undergrad and it was a fun and rewarding experience that I wish to continue. Additionally, mentoring is very important in fostering a healthy, supportive, and happy community, so I also wanted to help contribute to this. I am originally from LA and in my free time I like to play video games and listen to music. My favorite genre of music is rap!

Qualification Exam Preparation, Stress Strategies

Hana Schiff Toman

I'm a 4th year PhD candidate working at the intersection of magnetism, symmetries and topology. My favorite pastime is hanging out with and talking to friends, but I also play piano and dabble in photography and doodling.

Advisor Selection / Relationship, Stress Strategies

Victoria Knapp Perez

I'm a fourth-year PhD physics student interested in neutrino physics and dark matter. My research focuses on the use of modular symmetries to propose new models in high-energy physics. I like playing the guitar, reading, and hanging out with friends. I joined PACE because mentorship is an important skill to develop and because I enjoy helping people.

Work-life Balance, Time Management, General TA advice

Pranav Premnath

"I’m a third year graduate student in the astrophysics concentration, working on mitigating the effects of stellar activity in detecting planet signatures. I love playing and watching tennis, soccer and cricket. I also enjoy rock climbing and playing softball with my fellow physicists. I joined PACE because its a great program that helps 1st year grad students adjust to grad life and gives them the tools to be succesful grad students, and I wanted to help keep it going."

Work-life Balance, Stress Strategies, Time Management, General TA advice

Mica Bacani

I am a second year grad student conducting Experimental Condensed Matter research with Dr. Javier Sanchez-Yamagishi. I work with 2D materials on a nanoscopic scale (thinner than your hair), and create playgrounds in super cold temperatures and in the presence of magnetic fields for electrons to behave in crazy ways! In my free time, I like to play videogames (have yet to complete Tears of the Kingdom and have not started Starfield), watch anime (you can find me wearing subtle anime clothes, iykyk) and k-drama, and vibe to chill music. I joined PACE because mentorship has always been important to me, as I would not be where I am without the kind and supportive mentors I have had throughout my journey. Everyone's first year of graduate school is different, and that is totally okay! We are here to help. Feel free to reach out to me or any of the other PACE mentors with any questions you may have, as we are all happy to help!

Qualification Exam Preparation, Time Management, General TA advice

Eric Rumsfeld

PACE Leader since Fall 2024

Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Stress Strategies, General TA advice, Qualification Exam Preparation, Fellowship Writing

Izzie Catanzaro

I am a ChAMP student studying experimental condensed matter. I am an active UNITY and RQFT member.

Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Fellowship Writing

Izzy Ginnett

Hey everyone! My name is Izzy, I use they/them pronouns, and I'm going into my third year of my physics PhD studying particle theory. Outside of physics, I love hiking, baking, knitting, crocheting, and rollerblading. A fun fact about me is that my favorite band is called Garbage. I'm super excited to be PACE mentor this year, and feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Advisor Selection / Relationship, Stress Strategies, Time Management, General TA advice, Fellowship Writing

Jay Krishnan

I do particle cosmology research with Kev. Love physics, teaching, playing pool, working out, video games with my brother, and chill evenings with my partner/family.

Work-life Balance, Time Management, General TA advice

Josh Lewis

I'm a third year plasma student in the Dollar group, where I study interactions of high intensity, ultrafast laser pulses with plasmas. I'm originally from Colorado, but I've had the pleasure of calling Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia home as well. In my free time, I enjoy having a cat named Luigi, gaming, skateboarding, playing basketball, and tinkering with electronics and retro video game consoles. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, and I make a mean turkey.

Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, General TA advice, Qualification Exam Preparation