Ion Caltech Today
Construction and Parking
Photos of construction progress at South Gate Plaza as of April 2026.
Pedestrian Access
- From Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, April 11, a section of the sidewalk along California Boulevard near the entrance to the Downs-Lauritsen Building will be removed and replaced. Pedestrian access to this area will be temporarily restricted. Building access will remain available via an alternate route. Work will take place daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- From Thursday, April 16, to Monday, April 20, crane work will be underway at the Frank J. Malina Laboratory for High-Speed Flight Dynamics construction site to install parts of the building's structural framework. Pedestrian pathways will remain open but may be temporarily rerouted.
Construction Impacts
- Ginsburg Center: Construction of the main building is ongoing and progressing as scheduled.
- South Gate Plaza: Construction activity in the area has increased and will continue into May.
- Downs-Lauritsen Lab: The installation of glass on the bridge connecting Downs-Lauritsen with the Ginsburg Center has been completed.
- Frank J. Malina Laboratory for High-Speed Flight Dynamics: Construction on the south side of the Guggenheim Laboratory is ongoing.
- Pedestrian access may be limited or rerouted in the area from Thursday, April 16, to Monday, April 20. For more info, see the related update in the Pedestrian Access section.
Parking and Traffic
- There are no new parking and traffic updates at this time.
Community Member Milestones
- Welcome to Caltech:
Doug Burleson
In March, Doug joined Caltech as the assistant dean of graduate studies. In this role, he will work to support all Caltech graduate students on their academic journeys, from admission to graduation. Prior to joining Caltech, Doug spent 10 years working as the graduate programs manager for the Department of Biological Sciences at USC.
- In memoriam:
Alfredo "Freddie" De La Torre
Freddie, a member of Caltech Dining Services, passed away on March 3 at age 49. He served the Caltech community for 26 years. The flag at Caltech Hall will be lowered from Wednesday, March 18, to Friday, March 20, in honor of his life and service.
- Celebrating a recognition:
David Delgadillo
David, a postdoctoral scholar research associate in the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, is one of two winners of the Nemko Mentorship Prize. Awarded through the Beckman Institute and established in 2025, the prize celebrates the work of graduate students and postdocs as advocates, mentors, and supporters of those at earlier stages of study and is made possible by Dr. Marty Nemko, an author, career coach, and longtime Caltech supporter.
- Celebrating a recognition:
Jacob Rothbaum
Jacob, a postdoctoral scholar research associate in the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, is one of two winners of the Nemko Mentorship Prize. Awarded through the Beckman Institute and established in 2025, the prize celebrates the work of graduate students and postdocs as advocates, mentors, and supporters of those at earlier stages of study and is made possible by Dr. Marty Nemko, an author, career coach, and longtime Caltech supporter.
- In memoriam:
Carl Grillmair
Carl Grillmair, an astronomer at Caltech's IPAC science and data center for astronomy and planetary science, passed away on February 16 at the age of 67. A pioneer in exoplanets and stellar streams, he led a landmark 2007 study capturing light from distant worlds to identify atmospheric molecules. Over nearly 30 years, Carl shaped NASA missions, earned prestigious honors, and inspired colleagues with his creativity and passion for discovery.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Joseph "Joe" Drew
In March, Joe, the Facilities and Stockroom Operations Manager in the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCE), will conclude more than 30 years of dedicated service at Caltech. During his tenure, Joe established laboratories for new faculty, guided CCE through rapidly changing procedures during the pandemic, and resolved issues with his deep knowledge of the division’s operations.
Resources
Browse the Sustainability Marketplace to find free office and lab supplies. You can save resources, reduce waste, and give useful items a second life on campus.
Caltech community members are eligible for a free Metro Pass that gives you unlimited rides on buses, rail lines, and local transit options, including convenient connections to campus.
Get important paperwork signed and certified by qualified staff members who provide on-campus notary services and are listed in the directory.
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