Exploring Physics at UCLA
Exploring Physics at UCLA is an outreach event organized by Continuum at UCLA, the physics outreach organization, and hosted at UCLA. Registration is required and closes the day before the event, 6/5, at 12 pm, although early registration is highly recommended to accurately project catering numbers. Given the high level of interest, we recommend registering early to ensure a spot in-person. We are unfortunately no longer able to livestream the event, due to facility rules, so by registering virtually, you will be receiving a link to the recording post-event same day. Please input your personal email, as we have had emails bounce for some ".edu" emails.
Designed for prospective and admitted high school, community college, and lower-division physics and physics-adjacent majors of all years, and open to all ages and backgrounds interested in exploring different areas and concentrations within physics, this event introduces attendees to a range of physics research areas and academic pathways through faculty speakers from UCLA and USC, including the chair of physics at USC, a UCLA undergraduate physics researcher, and a special guest: Krishna Choudhary, PhD (Princeton/UCLA, Physicist & Co-host: From First Principles | Instagram: @ffppod, 180k+).
What’s New for This Event: Building on the feedback from the Physics Transfer Summit in February 2026, we have completely redesigned the structure of this event to maximize audience engagement and value. Upgrades for this summit include:
Zero Topic Overlap: A curated lineup spanning distinct branches of physics, ensuring every single session introduces a brand-new landscape.
Dynamic Pacing: Standard hour-long academic lectures are replaced with capped 30 minute high-level technical presentations. Rather than just jumping from a lecture straight to audience questions, three presentations are paired with a dedicated podcast-style fireside chat. These intimate, moderated interviews dive deep into the speakers' personal academic journeys, failure points, and career strategies before opening up to the room.
Dedicated Networking & Reception: Built-in blocks during breakfast and lunch specifically designed for you to connect 1-on-1 with students and faculty. Plus, meet invited UCLA graduate student guests who can share firsthand insights about their academic journey.
Through speaker talks and fireside chats, students will explore different physics concentrations and learn about the academic journey of the speakers, with both a technical presentation and intimate interview-style format for three guests. All guests will end their talk with an in-person audience Q&A. Subfields covered include astrophysics, experimental quantum hardware, neurophysics, plasma physics, and theoretical condensed matter. Instead of sitting through standard, dense academic lectures, you will experience a dynamic, conversational format. The event is held in person, with a livestream option available for those unable to attend. In-person attendance is highly recommended. Unfortunately, there will be no one sitting at the camera the whole time, so your best bet to avoid the possibility of technical issues is to meet us at UCLA.
Parking: We will provide parking codes for the first 100 registered attendees to waive the $17/day fee in the parking structure(s) closest to the venue. As of 5/31/26, there are 10 left. You will receive an email indicating whether or not you are allocated complimentary parking. Please do not indicate need for a voucher if you are unsure of your attendance, as we want to maximize utility of our resources. If you receive a voucher and can no longer attend the event, please email us, so we can give the code to another attendee. Parking instructions will only be sent to registered attendees, as our quantity is limited.
Check-In: Check-in and breakfast opens at 8:30 AM and ends at 9:15 AM.
Food: Breakfast pastries/burritos and coffee and variety of lunch appetizers and entrees from UCLA Catering will be provided. Vegetarian options available.
Virtual Attendance: Due to facility limitations and restrictions, we are unfortunately now unable to livestream the event. The recording and/or clips will also be uploaded after the event, and an email will be sent regarding where the recording will be posted.
Accessibility & Travel Support: We aim to make this event accessible to all who wish to attend and emphasize that there is no registration fee for both in-person attendance and livestream access. If transportation presents a financial barrier, please email us. We especially encourage you to reach out if transportation is a deciding factor in your ability to attend in person. There is limited support to be available to assist with travel costs in Southern California.
Contact: For questions or accessibility-related inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Also, follow our Instagram, @continuumphysics to hear about event updates, attending UCLA graduate students, speakers, and future events.
Agenda and speakers are listed on Continuum's website:
www.continuumphysics.org/exploring-physics-at-ucla
All registered attendees will receive an email a couple days before the event with the Slido link to input specific questions for speakers. You will also be able to ask questions in-person, however, we highly recommend you to think about and submit some of your questions early, giving you plenty of time to frame them exactly how you want. Please check your email for any emails with instructions or updates. Virtual attendees will receive another email with the link before 5 pm. If you don't receive both emails, please email Sherry ASAP, as your email may have bounced, due to institutional IT security. For questions, please contact [email protected]
This event is funded by the UCLA Campus Programs Committee (CPC).