Discover JPL
The Discover JPL Series, hosted by the Caltech Student-Faculty Programs (SFP) Office in collaboration with the JPL Academic Engagement Office, introduces Caltech undergraduates to the innovative and exciting research found at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Each session features short presentations from JPL scientists and engineers. Speakers share what their work looks like, how they found their path to JPL, and what opportunities are available to students. Each session closes with time for questions.
Discover JPL is a great starting point for Caltech undergraduates who are:
- Curious about the research taking place at JPL across science, engineering, and technology
- Considering applying to SURF@JPL or other JPL research opportunities
- Looking to connect with potential JPL mentors
- Interested in hearing directly from fellow Caltech students about their JPL research experiences
This series is hosted in-person at Caltech, and all Caltech undergraduates are welcome to attend.
2026 Discover JPL Schedule
We are excited to bring back the Discover JPL Series! Join us on Tuesday, October 27th at 12:00 PM in B122 Gates Annex for our Launch Event.
Joining us for this event is Suzanne Dodd (BS '84), Manager for Planetary Flight Projects at JPL. Following the remarks from Suzanne Dodd, Carol Casey will present a brief overview on the SURF@JPL program, and Andrea Olson will present on the NASA JPL Internship Programs.
Please RSVP for this event at: https://forms.gle/MfHqdVpoPiVeo3EJ9. For questions, contact Vincent Ton at [email protected].
About Suzanne Dodd
Suzanne Dodd (BS ‘84) joined NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a sequence engineer on the Voyager mission in 1984, shortly after earning her BS in mechanical engineering from Caltech. Early in her career, she helped plan Voyager 2's encounter with Uranus and designed the command sequence for the spacecraft's closest approach to Neptune. She later spent 11 years on the Caltech campus leading the Spitzer Science Center and IPAC before returning to JPL. Since 2010, she has managed the Voyager Interstellar Mission, overseeing NASA's two longest-operating spacecraft as they explore interstellar space. In 2026, her team carried out a major reconfiguration of Voyager 2's power systems, a high-stakes effort expected to keep the spacecraft returning data into the early 2030s. She also holds a BA in mathematics from Whitman College and an MS from the University of Southern California.
Events details are TBD. Please check back in late October.
Events details are TBD. Please check back in late October.
Events details are TBD. Please check back in late October.