#SoCaltech: Vikram Ravi

“My research group normally builds and uses the next generation of radio telescopes at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, near Bishop, California. Although the site has been closed and access to campus is restricted in response to stay-at-home orders, we feel really fortunate to be able to carry on much of our work (even some lab work!) in our homes in and around Pasadena and Bishop. One highlight in these uncertain times has been hour-long calls every morning at 9, which is a good way to get out of bed for some of us (i.e., me). We use the calls to simply catch up, educate ourselves on the latest research being carried out around the world, and learn from each other. After all, why not use this opportunity to meet more, rather than less? 

One of the difficulties with carrying on research at home is the lack of spontaneous interaction (meeting in corridors, dropping into offices, chatting after presentations) that leads to so many new ideas in a top research department. Although this is difficult to replicate, we are doing our best to enhance our work in other ways."

Vikram Ravi is an assistant professor of astronomy at Caltech. 

#SoCaltech is an occasional series celebrating the diverse individuals who give Caltech its spirit of excellence, ambition, and ingenuity. Know someone we should profile? Send nominations to magazine@caltech.edu.