#SoCaltech: Doris Shimabukuro
“I’ve always believed that music is a way to connect with people. It gives us a chance to come together, share ideas, and see things from different perspectives. That’s why I wanted to bring this event to Caltech—it’s about creating a space where science, creativity, and conversation can all happen together.
“Supporting undergraduate students through a scholarship comes from that same place. It’s so heartwarming to watch these students grow and succeed, and to know you’ve been able to give them something that helps them along the way. Hannah Chen (BS ’23), who was the very first student to receive the scholarship, is still very special to me. I visit her in New York whenever I can—I always tell people she’s my daughter.
“Looking back on my years at Caltech, I’ve come to think of STEM as more than simply solving problems. The question is, what’s the beautiful way to solve a problem or build something? You can do it with brute force, or you can do it with creativity. To me, that’s where science and the arts come together, and I hope students see that they don’t have to choose between the two—they make each other stronger.”
Doris Shimabukuro, a retired Caltech staff member and current Caltech Associates board member, dedicated 30 years to Caltech, serving most recently as associate director of financial systems. Today, she continues to support the Caltech community by endowing an Initiative for Caltech Students scholarship.
Shimabukuro and the Caltech Performing and Visual Arts, the Caltech Y Student Activism Speaker Series, and the Caltech Management Association, presented a special event on campus on August 19, 2026, “From Earth to the Cosmos: A Musical Voyage Through Space and Sound.” The event featured imagery from JPL missions and celebrated the intersection of science and the arts.
#SoCaltech is an occasional series celebrating the diverse individuals who give Caltech its spirit of excellence, ambition, and ingenuity. Know someone we should profile? Send nominations to magazine@caltech.edu.