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From where does the substance in our cosmos originate? In a public presentation titled “Molecules, Mysteries, and the Matter of Existence” scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., Nick Hutzler (BS ‘07), assistant professor of physics, will explore how examining particles within molecules can assist us in addressing some essential inquiries about our cosmos.

The big bang theory posits that the universe commenced with an immense explosion of energy that fabricated matter and initiated the creation of the stars, planets, and galaxies that we observe today.

“However, there is a significant caveat to that narrative, which is that whenever you generate particles, or create matter from energy, you simultaneously generate antimatter in equal proportions. Yet, there is no antimatter readily found within the cosmos,” Hutzler points out. “Whatever mechanism produced matter in excess of antimatter could involve some novel particle, force, or interaction. That phenomenon leaves a mark on ordinary matter.”

During his Watson Lecture, Hutzler will elaborate on how he and his colleagues utilize lasers and microwaves to “excite” electrons in molecules, hoping to uncover these electromagnetic signals. Through their investigations, Hutzler and his group strive to tackle a fundamental question that remains unresolved by the big bang theory: How did matter come to be?

Beginning at 6 p.m., members of Hutzler’s team will be on Beckman Mall to respond to inquiries regarding their research.

Raised in the rural region outside La Crosse, Wisconsin, Hutzler spent considerable time in nature and quickly fostered a fascination with science and technology—an interest encouraged by his mother, who was involved in education, as well as episodes of Bill Nye the Science Guy. Following a visit to Caltech during his sophomore year of high school, Hutzler was inspired by the institution’s rigorous emphasis on science and engineering and opted to pursue a degree in mathematics. While at Caltech, he engaged in a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which Caltech manages for NASA, and found a passion for experimental physics. Hutzler subsequently achieved a PhD in physics from Harvard University, where he also acted as a postdoctoral fellow prior to joining Caltech as an assistant professor in 2017.

About the series

The Watson Lectures present new chances each month to learn how Caltech researchers are confronting society’s most urgent issues and creating the technologies of tomorrow. Join a community of inquisitiveness outside Beckman Auditorium to enjoy food, beverages, and music together before each lecture. Interactive exhibits connected to the evening’s subject provide audience members with supplementary context and details. The festivities commence at 6 p.m. Attendees are also encouraged to remain for post-lecture coffee and tea as well as the opportunity to converse with fellow participants and researchers.

Discover more about the Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series and its background at Caltech.edu/Watson.

Watson Lectures are cost-free and accessible to the public. Register online to participate.

A recording will be made available on our YouTube channel

Suggested Reading:

Familiarize yourself with the topic prior to the lecture! Click on the titles below to purchase from our partner bookseller, Vroman’s.

• Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime by Sean Carroll
• The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli
• Three-Body Problem Boxed Set: The Dark Forest, Death’s End by Cixin Liu
• The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean
• The Joy Of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity by Steven Strogatz
• Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe by Steven Strogatz

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