Environmental chemistry students collaborate on research overseas to revive Bangkok canals

Bangkok’s khlongs: The historic canal system connecting residents across the city is also a mode of transport that sustains a vibrant floating market culture. Over time, many khlongs have been filled in or become so polluted as to inhibit their use. But what if science could be used to revive some of those khlongs and their surroundings—and consequently improve the lives of neighbors along the waterways?

Harriet Nembhard ’91, Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa, couples efficiency with imagination

Long before she became an industrial engineer, Harriet Nembhard ’91 would ask her father, a pilot, questions like: Why are all the small planes on one side of the airport and the large ones on the other? How does a piece of luggage get to its assigned aircraft?

“I could identify the planes, too,” she said, “but I had systems questions. These types of questions have always intrigued me.”

Kelly Watanabe’s ’20 science education has prepared her to help others and achieve breakthroughs

Biophysics major Kelly Watanabe’s ’20 approach to the liberal arts at CMC was pretty simple. “I’m happiest when I keep myself busy with learning and new experiences,” she said.

A student research manager in the Roberts Environmental Center and mentor in the Murty Sunak Quantitative and Computing Lab, Watanabe was also a flautist with the Claremont Concert Orchestra, president of the Music Mania Club, and a jumper on the CMS Track and Field team.

Professor of Biology Emily Wiley shares CMC’s plan for teaching the integrated sciences

Emily Wiley, associate dean of the faculty and professor of biology, shares the latest on the evolution of CMC’s science plan.

Lydia Li ’13, a Forbes 30 Under 30 changemaker for energy, specializes in environmental impact investing

The first person Lydia (Yancan) Li ’13 told—upon learning she’d made the Forbes Under 30 list—was, of course, her mom. They’re close and talk daily. But Li also reached out to someone she hadn’t seen in a while: her former CMC faculty mentor Marc Massoud.

Scot Gould remembers the first time he saw the Butler Plaza fountain.

Fresh out of grad school, the young assistant professor of physics stared at the plaques honoring faculty who had completed 30 years at Claremont McKenna College.

The idea of staying in the same place, doing the same thing year after year, induced mild panic.

In 2021, Gould celebrates his 30^th year with the W.M. Keck Science Department. Oddly, he’s looking forward to getting his own fountain plaque.

What changed?

Public health expert Katya Calvo Corado ’01 researches COVID-19

Her face may not be as familiar as Anthony Fauci’s, but infectious disease specialist Katya Calvo Corado ’01 has helped countless Americans better understand the pandemic.

In fluent Spanish.