From academics to real-world impact, explore stories from our community that highlight the people and experiences making 17³Ô¹Ï a place of opportunity, discovery, and success.
Ben Ratskoff Faculty Critical Theory & Social Justice Ben Ratskoff specializes in histories and theories of antisemitism, race, and fascism; Holocaust and genocide studies; Black diasporic culture and thought; and critical theory and cultural studies.
S.K. Ritadhi Faculty Economics S.K. Ritadhi is an applied microeconomist whose research interests lie at the intersection of development and finance. His current research studies affirmative action for religious minorities in credit markets, and how globalization shocks affect ethnic politics.
Jingyi Li Faculty Asian Studies Jingyi Li's research centers on Japanese popular literature, print culture, and cultural identity in the 19th century,
Samuel Luterbacher Faculty Art & Art History Samuel Frédéric Luterbacher specializes in Early Modern (1500-1800) art, craft, and material culture in a global context and teaches courses on premodern art histories of the wider Mediterranean world.
Lydia Harmon Faculty Geology Lydia Harmon '13 is a geologist who studies volcanoes and magma systems. Her work focuses on the magmatic processes and tectonic influences that govern magma formation and eruption.
Shengyun Gu Faculty Cognitive Science Shengyun Gu is a linguist whose research aims to better understand language (including its structure, acquisition, and processing) through the lens of Shanghai Sign Language and American Sign Language (ASL).
Nicholas Grebe Faculty Psychology Nicholas Grebe's research interests span the fields of psychology, evolutionary biology, and anthropology. He studies how behavioral and hormonal mechanisms have evolved to support social diversity in humans and non-human primates.
Hector Camarillo Abad Faculty Computer Science Hector M. Camarillo Abad has a background in electrical engineering, computer science, and intelligent systems. His research involves designing, developing, and evaluating new interactions using wearable technology aimed at enhancing teaching and learning of physical activities, such as dance.
Lauren Berger ’19 Alumni Geology Geology PhD student Lauren Berger recently received a prestigious grant from NASA to help her unravel the mysteries of Martian sand dunes and contribute to a deeper understanding of planetary evolution.
Laura Boykin Okalebo ’96 Alumni Biology For biologist Laura Boykin Okalebo, 17³Ô¹Ï was a life-changing experience, setting her on a career path that combines science and social justice. Her groundbreaking work in East Africa has empowered thousands of farmers to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Alyanna McGrath Student Computer Science Alyanna McGrath ’25 embodies both academic and community leadership at 17³Ô¹Ï, majoring in computer science while championing inclusivity through her involvement in the Black Student Alliance, Women in STEM Club, and basketball.
Max Chun ’19 Alumni Politics When disaster struck his native Santa Cruz in 2023, reporter Max Chun and a small team of journalists sprang into action for their community—and pocketed a Pulitzer Prize for their work.
