2024 KNI Catalyst Awardees are Recognized

Announcement of the 2024 KNI Catalyst Award Recipients

We are very pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 KNI Catalyst Award: postdoctoral researcher Dr. Aisulu Aitbekova and graduate student Azmain Hossain.

The Kavli Nanoscience Institute established the KNI Catalyst Award in 2021 to recognize researchers in the nanoscience community who contribute to improving STEM and Caltech through active support and engagement in accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

This work is very often unpaid and driven heavily by students and postdoctoral scholars on campus who balance these efforts with their academic and scientific responsibilities. In celebration and support for some of the change makers at Caltech, the KNI Catalyst Award comes with a cash prize to be shared among the year's honorees.

In order to be considered for this award, formal nominations were submitted by peers, colleagues, or advisors, and a review committee evaluated the submissions to select the winners.

Aisulu founded the Caltech Accountability Partners program, an innovative initiative designed to support marginalized undergraduate students through the graduate application process by connecting them with graduate mentors. This program not only facilitates academic and professional growth but also reinforces her commitment to fostering inclusive environments within the STEM fields.

Azmain's long track record of mentorship includes participation in campus programs and throughout the broader Pasadena community. Azmain has mentored students in the WAVE, GSRI, and Caltech Connection programs, as well as the Young Legends program, an initiative under the San Gabriel Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women.

Read more about this year's recipients here.

Congratulations, Aisulu and Azmain!