2026 Award

Announcement of the 2026 KNI Catalyst Award Recipients

The Kavli Nanoscience Institute established the KNI Catalyst Award in 2021 to recognize researchers whose active engagement and leadership contribute to a more positive and inclusive community across Caltech and STEM-related fields. The recipients of the 2026 KNI Catalyst Award are:

First Prize: Natasha Reich

Second Prize (shared): Julie Belleville, Martin Thomaschewski

Many congratulations, Natasha, Julie, and Martin!

Awardee Spotlights

Recently completed her PhD in Chemistry. Advisor: Nate Lewis

Tell us a bit about your research. How has the KNI played a role?

I have been developing an artificial analog of phototropic growth, or growth towards the light, observed in photosynthetic plants, via electrochemical deposition of semiconductor material. Such inorganic phototropic growth can spontaneously produce ordered structures with nanoscale features despite stimulation with spatially uniform illumination. The precise morphologies produced are defined by the light characteristics. I have been investigating the growth response to temporal illumination input change towards the generation of complex, three-dimensional nanoarchitectures in a single growth step. I have relied on the KNI to produce the precision-cut, metal-coated semiconductor sections utilized as growth substrates.

Why did you decide to come to Caltech for grad school?

The chemistry department at Caltech was host to a large group of professors whose research in sustainability and energy storage really interested me. I have also always admired Caltech's dedication to fundamental and interdisciplinary science. The weather in Pasadena, coming from New York City, also did not hurt.

Please say a few words about your academic path. What led you to pursue a STEM focus?

I never expected to pursue a hard science, but I had to take chemistry courses to complete the major in environment and sustainability I thought I was going to pursue. I loved how basic concepts in chemistry and physics explained the larger physical rules that governed our world – how invisible electrostatic interactions prevented your hand from going through your desk, even though your desk was mostly made of nothing at all. I also was extremely passionate about solving issues around environmental destruction and climate change, and I found that many chemistry researchers also wanted to address those problems. Finally, I eventually worked for the first time in a wet lab environment, and I found how much I loved working with my hands at a bench.

Please describe your community service/outreach work and any future goals.

At Caltech, I was a club leader for PRISM, Caltech's LBGTQ+ organization, serving undergrads, grads, faculty, and staff. I also led an outreach program called the Sustainable Energy Activity Lab (SEAL), which connects graduate mentors with high school students to pursue hands-on research related to sustainability.

What has inspired you to get involved in these activities?

When I came to Caltech, I was concerned that I would not be able to find an LGBTQ+ community, like I had at my undergraduate institution. Leading PRISM felt like a way to not only experience the kind of community I wanted to find, but to give back by building and supporting other LGBTQ+ scientists at Caltech.

I lead SEAL because I feel very strongly that scientists have an obligation to make science accessible to the wider public, to inspire excitement and not fear around understanding math and science, and also because I really enjoyed getting to work with passionate and smart budding young scientists.

What was your experience of Caltech like when you first began? How has the cultural landscape of campus changed (or not)? Are there any changes you'd like to see in Caltech's future, as it relates to inclusion, diversity, equity, or accessibility?

I found Caltech to be an extremely intimidating and competitive place when I first started. I ended up building confidence in my place as a member of the Caltech community by joining the efforts to unionize grads and postdocs. Our union created a space where grads and postdocs can meet not on competitive terms, but in solidarity with one another, in pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive scientific community. I would like to see Caltech work closely with our union and listen to the issues that we bring up instead of, for the most part, treating us as an antagonist. We care about our science, and we want to make Caltech a better place for everyone to pursue research. In general, it angers me how Caltech still fails to admit, attract, and retain a larger population of grads and postdocs (and faculty) of color, particularly Black scientists, which while not Caltech's problem alone, is still a major failing that must be rectified.

How do you balance your rigorous research/academic workload and other responsibilities? What does your support network look like?

During my PhD, I picked up a few hobbies including knitting and weaving, which gave me much needed breaks from research. I am very grateful to not only have had the support of my parents during my PhD, but also to have found a strong support network in friends I made as a Caltech union organizer.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I am really proud of my younger self, and I'm not sure I have any advice to offer that she didn't figure out herself.

What plans or goals do you have after graduation?

I graduated this June and am joining Harvard Art Museums as their postgraduate fellow in conservation science, where I will be contributing to the scientific analysis of the paintings, drawings, and artifacts in their collection.

Graduate student researcher in Applied Physics. Advisor: Harry Atwater

Tell us a bit about your research. How has the KNI played a role?

I study the design and fabrication of active metasurfaces, which are electrically addressable nanostructures capable of controlling light in a reprogrammable manner. This can enable light to be steered in applications such as LiDAR, AR/VR, or communication without the need for mechanical actuation. The KNI provides me with the deposition, lithography, and characterization tools needed to fabricate these structures and prove the effectiveness of my theoretical designs.

Why did you decide to come to Caltech for grad school?

My decision to come to Caltech was made during the 2022 APh/MS visit week. During this visit, I saw the close relationship between the department administration and their students. I also spoke to my now-advisor Harry Atwater about potential projects; I remember we had a very interesting conversation on the role of inverse design and machine learning methods in photonic design. This visit confirmed to me that I would enjoy not only the research strength but also the overall culture at Caltech.

Please say a few words about your academic path. What led you to pursue a STEM focus?

Mostly, I thought it would be cool! I come from an academic household (both of my parents earned their PhDs in computer science) and always wanted to try out research. As an undergraduate at the University of British Columbia, I did a few photonic research internships and found that I loved combining computational design with fundamental science. What makes me most enjoy my degree are moments where a new idea is proposed—there's a real excitement in understanding/demonstrating novel technologies.

Please describe your community service/outreach work and any future goals.

I am on the steering committee of Womxn in EAS (WiEAS), an EAS group which aims to build community and offer professional development opportunities to gender minorities in the division. With WiEAS, I have organized a number of socials and workshops (e.g., on scientific communication). I have also been lucky enough to talk to prospective graduate students as an EAS representative at the Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference. I look forward to staying involved with WiEAS for the duration of my degree!

What has inspired you to get involved in these activities?

My graduate student mentor in the first few years of my PhD, Prachi Thureja, was one of the founding members of WiEAS. She encouraged me to come out to WiEAS events and steering committee meetings to see whether I was interested in joining the team, and I had a great time becoming involved with the planning of various events!

The Caltech cultural landscape has seemed friendly to me from the start, though I've learned a lot since my arrival (for instance, Caltech has a theatre community!). I'm glad to say that WiEAS events have grown in size over my time here, and that we've begun hosting joint events with GWiPMA (WiEAS's equivalent in PMA). Maybe the biggest campus-wide shift I can identify is the anxiety around immigration and funding; I hope that Caltech continues to dedicate effort and funding to buffer students from this uncertainty.

How do you balance your rigorous research/academic workload and other responsibilities? What does your support network look like?

I like to joke that balancing work, hobbies, and health is like juggling: at any given time, something is in freefall, but we're doing fine as long as nothing hits the ground. Certainly, I'm not accomplishing everything I hope to in any given week. But my research group is great; I can always walk into an office, describe my latest challenge, and get advice. My boyfriend makes sure the household remains operational when I'm excessively busy. And I have great friends within the campus community that I can rely on. Overall, I'm very lucky.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

This is a hard question. What I want to say is: "take care of your health, don't stress too much, make sure to sleep and exercise and have fun." But I do think that the idea that I could have arrived where I have in a fully healthy way, given the setting I was in, is a bit disingenuous. Things are just not that easy! I'm sure I could have done better, but it would have been different. So maybe this is the better advice: "do your best, you'll do fine."

What plans or goals do you have after graduation?

Professionally, I'm open to a variety of opportunities—I would like to remain a researcher in photonics but I'm happy to consider positions in either academia or industry. Something I'd like to learn more about is the intersection of photonics with medical technology. From a personal standpoint, wherever I end up, I'd like to stay involved in the local arts community.

Postdoctoral researcher in Applied Physics Materials Science. Advisor: Harry Atwater

Tell us a bit about your research. How has the KNI played a role?

My research focuses on active nanophotonics, integrated photonics, and ferroelectric electro-optic materials for next-generation optical communication, sensing, and computing. I develop energy-efficient modulators and reconfigurable metasurfaces based on materials such as lithium niobate and barium titanate. The KNI has provided an outstanding interdisciplinary environment, access to world-class nanofabrication facilities, and a collaborative community that has enabled several of my research projects.

Why did you decide to come to Caltech for grad school?

I joined Caltech because of its unique combination of scientific excellence, collaborative culture, and exceptional nanofabrication infrastructure. Working in Prof. Harry Atwater's group has allowed me to pursue ambitious research at the intersection of photonics, materials science, and device engineering while collaborating with outstanding researchers across disciplines.

Please say a few words about your academic path. What led you to pursue a STEM focus?

I have always been fascinated by how fundamental physics can lead to technologies with real-world impact. That curiosity led me from my Ph.D. in nanophotonics at the University of Southern Denmark to postdoctoral research in the United States. Throughout my career I have enjoyed combining fundamental science with device engineering to develop new photonic technologies.

Please describe your community service/outreach work and any future goals.

I enjoy mentoring students and contributing to the academic community through service, outreach, and community building. As the Engineering & Applied Science (EAS) Division Representative for the Caltech Postdoctoral Association (CPA), I organized a faculty–postdoc lunch series to foster mentorship and interdisciplinary connections across campus. I am also helping organize Explore Caltech, a campus-wide outreach event that brings together researchers from Caltech and JPL to engage children and families through interactive science demonstrations and hands-on STEM activities, inspiring curiosity and broadening public engagement with science. Going forward, I hope to continue mentoring students and contributing to collaborative and inclusive research communities.

What has inspired you to get involved in these activities?

I have benefited greatly from mentors and supportive research environments throughout my career, so I wanted to help create similar opportunities for others. Building connections across disciplines and making research communities more welcoming and collaborative has been a strong motivation for my service activities.

My experience at Caltech has been extremely positive. When I first arrived, I greatly appreciated the support I received from my mentor and the welcoming Caltech community, including the Caltech Postdoctoral Association (CPA). I was immediately struck by the openness of the research environment and the collaborative spirit across departments. Looking ahead, I would like to see even more opportunities for interdisciplinary networking and mentorship across divisions and career stages.

How do you balance your rigorous research/academic workload and other responsibilities? What does your support network look like?

I have found that maintaining balance is essential for staying creative and productive in research. Outside the lab, I try to stay active and make time for hobbies and outdoor activities that help me disconnect and recharge. Equally important are the relationships I have built at Caltech and beyond. My support network of mentors, colleagues, friends, and family provides encouragement, perspective, and motivation throughout my academic journey.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stay patient and trust the process. Pursue ambitious goals, but remember that meaningful progress comes from persistence rather than immediate success. Invest early in building strong collaborations, seek out mentors, and stay curious—the best opportunities often come from unexpected directions.

What plans or goals do you have after graduation?

My long-term goal is to establish an independent research group developing active photonic technologies that bridge fundamental science and practical applications. I hope to continue mentoring students, collaborating internationally, and translating advances in nanophotonics into impactful technologies.