Outreach & Education
We are committed to sharing our research with the broader community through educational programs, public lectures, and collaborative initiatives. Work from the IMPACT Lab has been highlighted by premier outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, BBC News, CNN, TIME, and The Guardian—with coverage in more than 1,300 publications worldwide—and featured on leading programs from National Geographic, NPR, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In recognition of this impact, the PI was invited to speak at Granada Hills Charter School, one of the largest high schools in the United States.
Our Programs
Engaging diverse audiences through innovative educational initiatives
Caltech Earthquake Fellow Program
This intensive 4-month program introduces students to the fundamentals of earthquake science while building essential academic skills for success in university. Participants will: 1) Study how earthquakes work and their impacts. 2) Learn to measure and analyze seismic data. 3)Build research and academic skills for success in higher education.
Science Interview: Mar's Deep Secrets
Dr. Yuan was recently featured in Science discussing groundbreaking new insights into Mars’s interior from InSight mission data, including the discovery of a solid inner core and large-scale heterogeneities. Together with colleagues worldwide, they discussed the knowns, unknowns, and conflicting interpretations of the Martian interior, while offering future perspectives on the Red Planet’s evolution, magnetic history, and long-term habitability.
Nature Interview: Giant Impact Remnant
Dr. Yuan’s study was spotlighted by Nature, which reported that giant mantle ‘blobs’ may be remnants of the Moon-forming impact with Theia 4.5 billion years ago. Experts noted that this research elevates a previously imaginative notion to a new level of seriousness, offering fresh perspectives on the connection between Earth’s deep interior and the Moon’s origin.
Guest Lecture at the Largest High School
Dr. Yuan was invited to give a lecture at Granada Hills Charter High School, the largest high school in Los Angeles with more than 5,000 students. The event sparked tremendous engagement—students asked thoughtful questions about Earth and planetary science, and afterward Dr. Yuan was touched to receive dozens of thank-you letters, heartfelt tokens of their excitement and curiosity. The experience highlighted the strong interest among young learners in Earth and planetary exploration.
Our Impact
Sharing our science with communities worldwide
Media & Press
Our research featured in premier general and science media outlets
Mysterious blobs inside Earth triggered plate tectonics
Feature article on our Giant-Impact origin for subduction initiation (Yuan et al., 2024, GRL).
A 'Big Whack' Formed the Moon and Left Traces Deep in Earth
Discussion of how the Large Low-Shear Velocity Provinces may represent the Theia remnant
The Remains of an Ancient Planet Lie Deep Within Earth
Animated explanation of the Giant-Impact origin of LLSVPs for general audiences. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4dQW_fUgik
Remains of impact that created the Moon may lie deep within Earth
Perspective on new insights into the remains of the Moon-forming imapct.
Get Involved
Join our outreach efforts or invite us to speak at your institution or event.