People Spotlights

Rea A. and Lela G. Axline Professor of Economics

Marina Agranov

There are good reasons to do experiments. Applying theories in the real world before testing them, and ruining someone’s real life, seems too high a cost."

Postdoctoral Scholar Teaching Fellow in Science, Society, and Public Policy (2023–2025)

Cong Cao

At Caltech, I’ve found an environment that challenges convention and encourages bold, interdisciplinary thinking. As a researcher and instructor in health economics and policy, I’ve been able to integrate data science, AI, and causal inference into questions that directly impact public well-being.

Professor of Economics

Luciano Pomatto

I am interested in how people think, or should think, in situations of uncertainty. This line of research tackles a basic problem: What are the consequences of accepting probability as a language for making predictions about the future?"

Weisman Postdoctoral Scholar Teaching Fellow in Visual Culture (2023–2025)

Anna Stielau

Teaching visual culture at Caltech is a pleasure and a privilege. I support future scientists and engineers in becoming sharper critics of a world in which images increasingly mediate knowledge — a world they are helping to build."

PhD '25, Social Sciences

Ke Shi

I came to Caltech because I was drawn to its unique and rigorous social sciences program. I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful campus and the tight-knit community after I arrived."

Senior Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in Neuroscience (2015–24)

Jeffrey A. Cockburn

Science and education isn't about filling buckets, it's about lighting fires. If you bring the gasoline, HSS will hand you the match."

All Spotlights