#SoCaltech: Julian Wagner

Julian Wagner (right) gets into character with his From the Earth to the Moon castmates.

“I joined the Caltech Glee Club as soon as I arrived at Caltech for my biology PhD in 2017. A fellow glee member encouraged the choir to tune in last May for a reading of From the Earth to the Moon on Zoom. The story expressed a can-do attitude and Star Trek–like optimism in our ability to improve humanity through technological innovation and scientific exploration in a community valuing friendship and togetherness above all. I gathered the pluck to audition for one of the leads, J.T. Maston, an intrepid inventor. And I won the part.

“From the first rehearsal, I found a generous group keen on exploring new music and finding a brand-new show together even in the ongoing pandemic. Seeing how each cast member brought their authentic selves to the process inspired me and helped me win back with dividends the mojo I lost during the pandemic, which has since buoyed my music, science, and personal life. 

“We are telling a story of togetherness, of human triumph over adversity, of coming together. I can hardly state how excited I am to share our moonshot with all of Caltech when we open April 15!”

Julian Wagner (at right, in red vest), a biology graduate student, will join his castmates for the premiere of the new musical: From the Earth to the Moon, opening April 15, 2022. Learn more about the show and buy tickets online.

#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.