Community Member Milestones
- Welcome to Caltech:
Lianqi Wang
In April, Lianqi joined Caltech as an adaptive optics (AO) engineer, leading the design and delivery of advanced AO systems, from performance modeling and error budgeting to implementation across multidisciplinary teams. Prior to joining Caltech, Lianqi served as lead adaptive optics system engineer at the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory.
- Marking a new chapter:
Diana Jergovic
On May 15, Diana will be stepping down as Caltech's vice president for strategy and implementation after 12 years of dedicated service. During her tenure, she contributed to Caltech's long-term vision and vitality, served as an advocate for the Institute's integrated research and education mission, and was a dedicated steward of the organization's people and resources.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Justin Jacques
In April, Justin joined Caltech as an employee assistance counselor at the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center. He will provide counseling, consultation, and program development for employees and their families, while partnering with managers and departments to strengthen communication, resilience, and workplace health. Prior to Caltech, Justin most recently served in a senior clinical role at Johns Hopkins University.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Divina Bautista
Divina is a nurse practitioner at the Student Wellness Services office. On May 8, she will be retiring after 31 years of dedicated service to the Caltech community. Community members across campus thank her for her steady presence, warmth, and kindness during her time here.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Heather Small
On April 27, Heather joined Caltech as the director of maintenance and operations within Facilities. She will manage the shop and trades and play a key role in customer service, working on initiatives to set and meet expectations with clients and partners. Prior to Caltech, Heather worked at Millennium Space Systems and Terran Orbital Corporation.
- Celebrating a recognition:
Maria Manzanares
Maria, associate director of Student-Faculty Programs, has earned her Ed.D. from Azusa Pacific University. Her research examines how historically underrepresented students construct meaning and belonging within STEM environments. Since joining the SFP office in 2016, Maria has spent nearly a decade supporting undergraduate and graduate research opportunities — including WAVE Fellows, SURF, Amgen Scholars, and JPL programs and advancing equity-focused initiatives for historically excluded students.