Astronomy and Astrophysics Salon (Spring 2026)

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On April 15, 2026, UC San Diego’s School of Physical Sciences held an astronomy and astrophysics salon, hosted by chemistry alumna Candace Kohl, PhD, ’75 at her Del Mar residence. Among the attendees were donors, members of the San Diego Astronomy Association, community members, faculty, students and university administrators, including, School of Physical Sciences Dean Christine Hrycyna and Vice Chancellor for Research Corinne Peek-Asa. The program began with opening remarks from Dean Hrycyna and Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Chair Alison Coil, followed by research spotlights from undergraduates Nora Hagkull and Marylin Loritsch.

Assistant Professor Samantha Trumbo presented “Tracing the Oceanic Origins of Carbon on Europa,” which focused on Jupiter’s moon Europa, long thought to harbor a large subsurface ocean. Europa is the target of NASA’s current Europa Clipper mission and Trumbo is a member of the mission’s science team. During the talk, Trumbo relayed her group’s work in trying to understand the origin and forms of carbon on the surface of Europa, including whether there are organic molecules useful for life.

Trumbo stated, “I am very grateful to Candace for graciously opening her home to host this salon event. I truly value having such an engaged and supportive donor community interested in astronomy and astrophysics.”

After the presentations, guests mingled over dessert while Candace shared her extensive meteorite collection, reinforcing the philanthropic call to support undergraduate research. The evening concluded with an appeal for donor involvement and invitations to upcoming campus site visits, including an open house later in the year.