Ion Caltech Today
Construction and Parking
Construction progress of the Ginsburg Center as of late September 2025.
Construction Impacts
- Ginsburg Center: A weekend road closure from Thursday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26, is scheduled for the removal of the construction crane at the Ginsburg Center construction site. East California will be closed between Arden and South Campus Drive (beside the tennis courts). To protect neighborhood streets from traffic, no through traffic will be allowed on East California between Wilson and Hill Avenues.
- Student Wellness Services Health and Counseling Center: Repairs to the center that started in August are close to complete. Counseling services have returned to offering appointments in the building. Health services are still offering appointments in trailers and expect to return to the building in November. Find more information in the campus announcement about the restoration and temporary services locations.
- Downs-Lauritsen Lab: Workers on the third and fourth floors are constructing a bridge to the Ginsburg Center during September. A small amount of demolition is needed to complete the final attachment for the bridge steel installation.
Parking and Traffic
- With the start of the 2025–26 academic year, please be aware of increased vehicle traffic and foot traffic on campus. Thank you for your patience and support in welcoming our newest community members and returning scholars.
- Parking permits for the 2025–26 academic year will be distributed at the end of September via U.S. mail to the permit holder's home address. For information on applying for a new permit or canceling an existing one, please visit the parking website.
Pedestrian Access
- There are no new pedestrian access updates at this time.
Community Member Milestones
- Welcome to Caltech:
James Wiley
On June 30, James joined Caltech as a mechanical engineer for the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, where he’ll build next-generation astronomical instruments for ground-based observatories such as Palomar and Keck. He earned his PhD in physics from the University of California, San Diego.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Madison Quan
On September 2, Madison joined Caltech as the interim head coach of the women’s basketball team for the 2025-26 season. She previously served as assistant coach for the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens, the same team she played on during her four years as an undergraduate at Pitzer College.
- Celebrating a recognition:
Sujit Datta
On September 1, Sujit was named the new Chief Editor of Reviews of Modern Physics, which is the foremost journal in physics devoted to publishing authoritative, foundational, and influential review articles across all areas of physics. He looks forward to ensuring the journal stays responsive to the rapidly evolving landscape of modern physics and its expanding connections with other fields.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Audrey Martin
Audrey joined Caltech on July 23 as a research scientist in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. Her research focuses on asteroids and the Moon, which is done through JWST spectra analysis, Apollo sample characterization, and creating asteroid and lunar regolith analogs. She was previously a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Central Florida.
- Celebrating a new role:
Tasha Cammidge
Tasha joined Caltech’s sustainability department under facilities as the Green Labs Coordinator on July 21. Through Green Labs initiatives, Tasha aims to help the campus reduce energy and water use, cut waste, and build a culture of conservation—efforts that can save the university money while supporting research and education. Prior to this role, Tasha was a research technician and then lab manager at Caltech’s biology and biological engineering division.
- Celebrating a recognition:
Austin Brotman
Austin has been named a 2025 Gilliam Fellow by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), which supports promising PhD students pursuing impactful scientific research and fosters inclusive training environments. Alongside his advisors, Ralph Adolphs and Ueli Rutihauser, Austin will engage in professional development and join HHMI’s vibrant scientific community.
Resources
Members of the Caltech community can receive a free Metro pass that is valid for unlimited rides on all Metro bus and rail lines.
View the latest dining menus for Browne Dining Hall, Red Door Marketplace, Broad Cafe, and Avery Kitchen.
Open Enrollment begins Tuesday, October 7, and ends Monday, October 27, 2025. Click above to learn more and get a guide to benefits on Caltech HR's Benefits webpage.
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