Frances Hellman received her BA in Physics from Dartmouth College in 1978, and received her PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University in 1985, studying what were then considered the high Tc superconductors (the A15's). After a 2 year postdoc in thin film magnetism at AT&T Bell Labs, she went to UCSD as an assistant professor in 1987, where she received tenure in 1994 and became a full professor in 2000. She joined the Physics Dept at UC Berkeley in Jan 2005, and became Chair of the Department in 2007. In addition to her work in the Physics Department, she has an appointment in the UCB Materials Science and Engineering Dept. as well as at LBNL in the Materials Sciences Division. Dr. Hellman has also been on a large number of national and local science boards, including but not limited to, the NSF Advisory Board on Math and Physical Sciences, the NRC Board on Physics and Astronomy, the NRC Solid State Sciences CommitteeFor many years, she ran the NSF-REU site program at the UCSD Physics Dept. and has supervised many student theses, both undergraduate and graduate. She won the APS Keithley Award in 2006, "In recognition of using emerging micromachining techniques to significantly extend the range of calorimetry into the realm of nanoscale science by construction of Si based microcalorimeters capable of operating in extreme environments with unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy", is a Fellow of the APS, and has been Chair of both the APS Division of Materials Physics and the APS Topical Group on Magnetism and its Applications.

Theresa Lynn, PhD, specializes in quantum information science at Harvey Mudd College. Her research group focuses on quantum communication protocols using photon pairs entangled in polarization and/or spatial mode (orbital angular momentum). Lynn investigates the role of entanglement – a type of correlation that does not exist in classical physics – in providing communication bandwidth and security in protocols including quantum secret sharing. In experimental and theoretical investigations, her lab explores the advantages and limitations of using simple (linear) optical devices for quantum communication with entangled photons.

In addition to her quantum optics research program, Lynn serves on the advisory board for QuarkNet, a national NSF- and DOE-funded program for K-12 teacher professional development and educational outreach in the area of elementary particle physics. She has served as project coordinator for the California HIgh school Cosmic ray ObServatory (CHICOS), a large-scale array of 90 scintillation detectors for observation of ultra-high energy cosmic ray air showers, based at Caltech and located at K-12 schools in the Los Angeles area.

Kristin is a licensed professional civil engineer, project manager, and environmental advocate with over 23 years of experience in energy. Kristin leads Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s Generation Strategic Sourcing team, including materials and services supply chain responsibility for California's largest source of emissions-free electricity at Diablo Canyon as well as strategic sourcing for PG&E's hydro, renewable, and fossil assets. Kristin has previous experience in engineering, power plant decommissioning, planning, and projects. ​

Kristin is a co-founder of Mothers for Nuclear, and she believes in supporting all clean energy sources to address major humanitarian and environmental issues. Along with Heather Hoff, Kristin founded Mothers for Nuclear in 2016 to advocate for clean energy, focusing on the protection and expansion of nuclear energy around the world. Mothers for Nuclear was profiled in The New Yorker, https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-activists-who-embrace-nuclear-power

Kristin has three young children who inspire her passion for environmental action. She is a past president of the North American Young Generation in Nuclear and has served on various environmental nonprofit boards. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an MBA from Arizona State University WP Carey School of Business. 

Matt Beekman received his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the University of South Florida in 2009. He spent two years as a postdoctoral researcher in the Chemistry Department at the University of Oregon, and five years as an Assistant Professor of Physics at Oregon Tech in Klamath Falls, OR. He has been at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo since 2016, where he is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics. Matt is an experimentalist with research interests in electrical and thermal transport properties of materials, especially thermomagnetic and thermoelectric transport, as well as structure-composition-property relationships in intermetallic clathrates. In addition to maintaining an active research program involving undergraduates, he also currently directs the STEM Teacher and Researcher (STAR) Program, which provides opportunities for pre-service and in-service K-12 STEM teachers to participate in summer research experiences at universities, national labs, and research institutes. Matt has been an APS Career Mentoring Fellow since 2022 and has been actively engaged in Cal Poly’s participation in and support of the APS Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (APS-IDEA), AIP TEAM-UP, and the Cal-Bridge program for the past several years.

Abby is a third-year physics student at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. She spent the first two years of my college career at Allan Hancock Community College in Santa Maria. She is currently working towards becoming a secondary school teacher, specifically a middle school science teacher. She is passionate about making even the scariest sciences (like physics) interesting and approachable to all students so that they feel confident choosing STEM-related careers.

Matthew Bremgartner is a Physics and Makerspace educator at Central Coast New Tech High School in Nipomo, California, where he uses project-based learning to apply physics concepts to real-world problems. He has a background in both secondary education and biological research, with an M.A. in Teaching Science and a B.S. in Genetics and Cell Biology. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys creative pursuits like 3D printing, electronics, and exploring a variety of maker projects.

Dr. Mario Alberto Viveros Espinoza-Kulick is an acclaimed Ethnic Studies Instructor at Cuesta College. He is a Queer, Mixed-Race and Indigenous (Purépecha) scholar-activist, author, and poet who advocates for anti-racism, equity, and social justice. He earned two AA degrees from Cuesta College before earning a BA in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Indigenous Studies in Natural Resources and the Environment from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. As a Health Policy Research Scholar with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, he achieved his MA and PhD in Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Espinoza-Kulick's research has been published in prestigious venues like Oxford University Press, Health Promotion Practice, and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and featured in local news outlets. He completed the Mellon / American Council of Learned Societies Community College Faculty Fellowship and co-authored three Open Educational Resource textbooks that are reaching thousands of students across the country. Dr. Espinoza-Kulick is a Board Member of Access Support Network and R.A.C.E. Matters San Luis Obispo. As a host of Central Coast Voices on the National Public Radio station KCBX, he showcases stories about culture, health equity, and community leadership.

Caroline Fedak is a Radio Frequency (RF) Systems Engineer at Blue Canyon Technologies. Caroline graduated from Cal Poly in 2018 with a B.S. in Physics and a minor in Math. After graduation, Caroline worked as a Physicist for the US Department of the Navy, specializing in RF & radar defense systems. In 2020, Caroline transitioned to Aerospace and is currently working as an RF Systems Engineer for a small satellite company. Caroline develops satellite communications systems and is involved in all stages of design, including mission planning, integration & test, and on-orbit operations. She most recently worked on the bus design for MethaneSAT, a satellite working to accelerate efforts to reduce methane emissions. Caroline lives in Denver, CO with her husband and two pets.

Terry Guerrero is a fourth year physics student at the University of California Santa Barbara, who transferred to UCSB from College of the Canyons in the fall of 2023. Terry currently does research in the Sung Soo Kim Fly Neuroscience lab at UCSB, and is working alongside Dr. Dinesh Natesan to build a laser microsurgery system to aid in cutting windows in the heads of fruit flies. The microsurgery system is meant to make the dissection process faster and more efficient than dissection by hand. Researchers dissect the flies before imaging activity in their visual neurons using the lab’s two-photon microscopes. Terry is also a process engineering intern at the UCSB Nanofab, the school’s cleanroom nanofabrication facility which caters to both research and industry users. Terry works to gather calibration data on various high-use dry etching, deposition, and lithography equipment in the fab, and uses various forms of metrology and scanning electron microscopy to visually and quantitatively analyze the data. 

Dina Hallmark is an Academic Counselor and the Articulation Officer at Cuesta College. She will serve as a technical expert on the process of transferring from California Community Colleges to four-year universities during the Transfer Student Panel. Holding a Master's degree in Counseling, Dina is a first-generation college student who deeply understands the value of advancing education. With years of experience navigating the complexities of transfer policies, articulation agreements, and academic planning, she is dedicated to helping students understand and successfully navigate the transfer process. Her in-depth knowledge of California's higher education system enables her to provide valuable guidance to students, ensuring they are well-prepared to make the transition to their chosen four-year institutions.

Landon St. James (he/they) is a trans organizer based on the Central Coast. They currently serve as Chair for Tranz Central Coast (TCC) where they coordinate community events, work with local and state politicians to advocate for trans-inclusive policies and build partner with local organizations like Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) and GALA to fight for trans equality. They have hosted talkbacks and equity-focused feedback sessions across the state. 

Madeline Larkin is a Principal Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman Space Systems with a focus in Radiometry. Madeline Larkin graduated from Cal Poly in 2020, with a B.S. in Physics. Since graduating, Madeline has been working at Northrop Grumman supporting various programs spanning design, test, and operations. Madeline currently works as Radiometric Systems Performance Lead\Cost Account Manager and Passive EOIR science and technology coordinator.  Her primary technical background is in radiometry, calibration, test, and technology maturation. Madeline lives in Pasadena CA and enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. 

Dr. David Mitchell is an astronomer and a professor at Cal Poly SLO.  His astronomy research involves the detection of extrasolar planets.  At Cal Poly he also focuses on the training of future elementary school teachers.  Most of Dave’s professional mentors and role models have been women, for which he feels quite lucky.

Mara Niesyt's goal in pursuing a career in physics is to make physics more accessible, in particular to underrepresented folks who have additional barriers to entry into the field. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Cal Poly with a B.S. in Physics, Mara thought the best way to make an impact would be to work as a professor at a primarily undergraduate-serving institution. Mara started graduate school at UCSB but it was not the right fit for Mara, and Mara shifted my efforts towards a teaching credential with a goal of teaching physics at the high school and community college levels.

Camille O’Bryant (she, her, hers) is associate dean for student success, welfare and issues of diversity and inclusion in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics and professor of kinesiology in the Department of Kinesiology and Public Health at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Dr. O’Bryant’s areas of specialty include sociological and psychological aspects of sport and physical activity, and her specific areas of interest are in social justice, gender, and race/ethnicity issues in physical activity and sport. Dr. O'Bryant has published articles and made a variety of scholarly presentations on how race/ethnicity and gender impact socialization into sport-related careers. She earned a bachelor’s degree in French Studies at Smith College and a master’s degree of exercise and sport studies at Smith College. She received her doctoral degree from The Ohio State University and has served in a variety of leadership roles in professional organizations in higher education. She was a member of the board of directions for the Alumnae Association of Smith College was a member of the Smith College Board of Trustees.

Marie Pink's passion for teaching blossomed early, nurtured by volunteering in her aunt's 2nd and 3rd-grade classroom. Initially drawn to mechanical engineering, she shifted her focus to Physics, recognizing its alignment with her aspiration to become an educator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Physics with a teaching emphasis from San Jose State University. After gaining initial teaching experience, she furthered her expertise by completing a Master of Science in Education in 2019.

Throughout her 13-year teaching career, Marie has dedicated herself to inspiring students in diverse settings, including San Jose, Atascadero, and San Luis Obispo. Her extensive teaching repertoire encompasses a range of courses, including AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, a Dual Enrollment Physics program in collaboration with Cuesta College, College Prep Physics, Environmental Science, Integrated Science for Newcomers to the United States, and PLTW Principles of Engineering.

Rachel Resnick, M.S., is a Hardware Engineer at Google Quantum AI, where she focuses on qubit measurements and the development of database solutions and related software. With a background in physics, Rachel has transitioned her skills to focusing on the interface between software and measurement technologies.

Dr. Gabrielle Roberts is a research scientist at Google Quantum AI, where she writes code to run and analyze quantum error correction experiments. She completed her PhD in Physics at the University of Chicago, where she studied methods of preparing and characterizing small many-body states made of microwave photons in superconducting circuits. She lives in Santa Barbara and enjoys cooking with friends, and boardgames.

She began her educational journey at Cuesta College with the intent of studying nutrition, however as she met all the amazing professors there and took more classes, she fell in love with chemistry and physics. She then transferred to Cal Poly as a chemistry major in 2023. She is now officially in the master's program here at Cal Poly for Polymers and Coatings Science. She is also a founding member of the Nuclear is Clean Energy club (NiCE) on campus and currently work at an environmental analytical air chemistry lab. 

Hannah Simons is a Systems Engineer at Tendeg, LLC. Tendeg is a premier spacecraft deployables company, focused on advanced deployable antennas and precision structures. Hannah Simons graduated from Cal Poly in 2019 as a member of the Cal Poly University Honors Program, with a B.S. in Physics. Since graduating, Hannah has worked in the Aerospace & Defense industry, holding a DoD clearance that allows her to work in both civil and defense sectors. Hannah has served in both Product & Program Management roles, but her primary technical background is in Systems Engineering, focusing on early program advanced design concepts, technology maturation, and program execution. Hannah has previously worked in various sized companies, including Northrop Grumman & Blue Canyon Technologies. Hannah lives in Denver, Colorado with her 5 year old German Shepherd, and enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain biking, skiing, and climbing. 

Julia (she/her) is an advocate, educator, and community leader dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. As President of the Board of Directors for the Gala Pride and Diversity Center, Julia has played a pivotal role in creating safer, more affirming spaces for gender and sexual minorities across her community.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies and a minor in Queer Studies from California State University, Northridge, Julia brings a rich intersectional perspective to her work. She has partnered with schools, non-profits, and local organizations to deliver workshops, training sessions, and consultations on LGBTQ+ issues, focusing on improving cultural competency and fostering inclusive environments for all.

Julia’s passion lies in helping educators and leaders understand the unique experiences of gender minorities, particularly youth and young adults, and equipping them with actionable tools to support these communities. She believes in the power of ongoing education, active listening, and collaboration to dismantle systemic barriers and create meaningful change.

Karolina Trybula, is a third-year physics major at UCLA.  She is originally from Poland and a first-generation student, and she is also a proud mom to a 3-year-old. Her journey to UCLA wasn’t traditional. I transferred from San Diego City College, where I first discovered her love for space, particularly comparative planetology and the search for habitable planets.  She is really passionate about quantum physics, the theory of relativity, and the strange world of quantum tunneling and particle collisions. She loves the way these topics challenge the way we think about the universe, and she always excited to learn more. Outside of school, She is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and a snowboarder, always looking for new ways to push herself both physically and mentally. She is excited to be here and connect with all of you!

Linnea Valdivia (she/they) is a queer Latiné scholar and theater artist originally hailing from the American Midwest. Linnea received their Bachelor of Arts in English from Whitman College and their Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Theatre and Drama Studies from Northwestern University. Both their academic and artistic work seek to uplift trans and queer stories that live in the margins of hegemonic histories. She has artistic credits at theaters across the country including: Steppenwolf, About Face, the Lark, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Curious Theatre, Art House Productions, Playwrights Realm and New Dramatists.