Current PACE Fellows!
Tyler Smith
Tyler is a 4th year PhD student in particle and astro theory. His research focuses on the significance of anomalies in physics beyond the standard model, which can serve as leading constraints on various theoretical models. In addition, he models the formation and merger rates of binary black holes, tracing their origins from galaxy formation and leveraging the gravitational wave constraints inferred from LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA. In his free time he enjoys weightlifting and is a dedicated father who loves creating memories with his daughters whether at the beach, playing games, diving into anime, etc!
Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Stress Strategies
AJ
Fourth-year graduate student in experimental particle physics, with a particular focus on neutrinos. Outside of the lab, they enjoy fencing, reading, and listening to obscure indie rock.
Advisor Selection / Relationship, Time Management, General TA advice
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
Raymond P Remigio
Qualification Exam Preparation, General TA advice
Anthony Cho
Hi! I'm a 2nd year grad student with a focus on condensed matter/physical chemistry. I'm a member of Zuzanna Siwy's lab, researching nanofluidics in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 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 seriously help students analyze their situation, and be much better informed.
Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, 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, Time Management, Stress Strategies
Courtney
I am a 5th year astronomy graduate student working with James Bullock on galaxy simulations. I am the Triathlon Club President and an avid trail runner. One of my favorite aspects of graduate school has been the community and being able to work with other students which brought me to PACE.
Work-life Balance, Time Management, Stress Strategies, Fellowship Writing
Fernando Eizaguirre
Fernando is a second year Phd student researching magnetic confident plasma fusion. He is from Seattle and enjoys dancing, painting, climbing and softball in his free time
Work-life Balance, 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
DaVante Cain
Dedicated 3rd year PhD student working in the field of Nanofluidics.
Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Fellowship Writing
Hana Schiff
I'm a 3rd 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.
Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Time Management
Hongxuan Pan
I am a second-year PhD student in Physics, with research focusing on condensed matter, specifically in Van der Waals heterostructures.
Advisor Selection / Relationship, General TA advice
Victor Knapp-Perez
I'm a third year PhD physics student with research interests 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 my friends. I joined PACE because I think mentorship it's an important skill to develop and because I like helping people.
Work-life Balance, Time Management, General TA advice
Cesar Gallegos
Work-life Balance, Advisor Selection / Relationship, Time Management
Pranav Premnath
I’m a second year graduate student in the astrophysics concentration, working on using transiting exoplanets to learn more about their host star, and studying radial velocity exoplanets. I love playing and watching tennis, soccer and football. I also enjoy rock climbing and going on hikes. I joined PACE because the PACE excelleration mentor program really helped me get used to graduate school in my 1st year, and I want to help keep it going forward.
Work-life Balance, Stress Strategies, General TA advice
India Bhalla-Ladd
Hi all! I'm a second-year PhD student studying particle physics. I also care a lot about the philosophy of physics and the intersection of critical theories and the philosophy of science. In my free time, I enjoy roller-blading, playing volleyball, sewing, crocheting, and baking! I joined PACE because she wants to improve the experience of first year graduate students, and increase the retention of underrepresented folk in the field.
Work-life Balance, Qualification Exam Preparation, Stress Strategies
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