Team

Cai is a biochemistry graduate student in the Dunphy lab where she studies how DNA replication is regulated. Outside of research work, she is keen on helping underprivileged students gain access to better resources so that they can reach their full potential. She has participated in various projects towards that objective, both locally and abroad. In her spare time, she likes to fuss over a Shiba fur ball and watch standup comedy.

Suchitra is an undergraduate bioengineering student (c/o 2024) who currently works in the Mazmanian lab doing gut-brain axis research. She serves as an Editor-in-Chief for the Caltech Undergraduate Research Journal, a health and peer advocate, a co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee, and a Rise tutor. She is excited to help students in different communities have better and more scientific experiences through LEAP!

Jingjing is a postdoctoral fellow in Angela Stathopoulos's group. She enjoys hiking with her dog outside of the lab. She feels fortunate to be part of LEAP, hoping to bring more talented students into STEM fields.

Jesus Marcelo Galeana is a first year graduate student perusing his PhD in chemistry. By studying chemical biology, he hopes to develop and improve chemotherapeutic delivery using both an inorganic and a molecular biology approach. He also studied both at College of the Sequoias and at the University of California, Irvine where he received his bachelor degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. In his spare time he likes cooking, traveling, and playing Catan.

Andres is a graduate student in the Aravin lab where he studies bacteria defense systems. He is from the Antelope Valley and is excited to bring the resources LEAP has to his home community. In his spare time he likes reading books and playing Dungeon and Dragons with his friends.

Inhoo is a Junior studying computer science and is currently doing research with Professor Erik Winfree. He also spends time as a RISE tutor, a health advocate, and a volunteer at the Union Station. In his free time, Inhoo enjoys spending time outdoors and attending sporting events.

Tomasz is a graduate student in biochemistry, working in the Kaihang Wang lab. His research focuses on developing new methods for large-scale genome engineering. As part of LEAP, he aims to share Caltech's resources with other educational institutions and is interested in outreach opportunities. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar, photography, and squash.

Vy is a biochemistry graduate student working in Voorhees lab. As part of LEAP, she wishes to help students from under-resourced background gain access to laboratory equipments that can facilitate their education. In her free time, she enjoys watching squirrels, listening to music, and cross stitching.

Associate Director of Student Programs, Caltech Y

Liz provides consultation and programming support to the LEAP project and offers valuable insights into educational landscape in the region.

Founding President & Member-at-Large, LEAP

Peiwei was the founding president of LEAP from 2022-23 and continues to support LEAP's mission wherever possible.

Assistant Director for Educational Outreach, Caltech CTLO

Kitty brings a tremendous amount of expertise in educational outreach to the LEAP project and has been instrumental in every step of the project development.

Xiaotian Bi

Chemistry grad student, Lu Wei's lab

Natalie Wu-Woods

Biology grad student, Ismagilov's lab

You could be here!

We are currently recruiting LEAP affiliates who are interested in helping us campaign for lab equipment donations and/or serving as contact persons for different labs/buildings/groups at Caltech.

Learn how to get involved.