photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
photo by Bob Paz
Caltech professor and 2018 Nobel Prize winner Francis Arnold led a lively and fun discussion with 80 Friends of the Caltech Y at the historic Caltech Athenaeum late last month at the first in-person Friends Dinner since 2020, where guests enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones over an excellent dinner and good conversations.
Prof. Frances Arnold is the Linus Pauling Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biochemistry and Director of the Rosen Bioengineering Center at Caltech. In 2018, she became the first American woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for pioneering directed evolution methods used to make enzymes for applications across medicine, agriculture, fuels, chemicals, and consumer products. She was appointed Co-Chair of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST) by President Biden in 2021.
Having known Prof. Arnold for over 15 years, Agnes Tong, Director of Marketing and Development, was excited to have the opportunity to showcase Arnold’s witty and engaging demeanor. Tong remarked, “We were so honored and grateful to restart our in-person dinners featuring such an amazing individual. Tonight, the Caltech Y Friends were privileged to see the fun and warm side of this scientific giant! Thank you Frances!”
Interviewed by Caltech Y Board Members, Peter Hung and Saehui Hwang, Prof. Arnold regaled the audience with many personal stories, including her path to science and advice for aspiring young scientists.
Caltech Y Board Chair, Fred Clayton noted, “Prof. Arnold was not only brilliant, but down to earth . . . and funny! She’s an incredible inspiration to students and to all who are curious, life-long learners.”
“Being a Friend of the Caltech Y opens up intellectual opportunities I would never otherwise have, and it is exhilarating. Meeting Prof. Arnold in person and hearing personal stories about her life and journey was eye-opening, exciting, and so interesting,” Cindy Bengtson, Caltech Y Board Member and Advancement Committee Chair, commented.
After the event, Prof. Arnold stated, “When Agnes asked me to speak at this event, I was only aware of some of the programs that the Caltech Y provides. Tonight, I had a blast meeting the student leaders and the supporters of the Caltech Y and learning the huge impact the Y has on our students’ lives and the community. Keep up the good work!”
Since 1916, the independent non-profit Caltech Y has been making a world of difference by hosting events and volunteering opportunities that encourage Caltech undergraduate and graduate students to be responsible citizens of the world. Guided by the group’s five pillars—leadership, service, public engagement, adventure, and perspective— Caltech Y members travel the world, test themselves in outdoor adventures, tutor local schoolchildren, prepare meals for those experiencing homelessness, dialogue with elected national and international officials, and more.
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One thought on “Caltech Nobel Prize Winner Frances Arnold Shares Her Story at the Caltech Y Friends Dinner”
What a great article about the CaltechY!