Community Member Milestones
- Welcome to Caltech:
Gregory Copeland
On April 10, Greg joined Caltech as executive director of the Caltech Associates. He will lead the Caltech Associates program—growing membership, strengthening engagement, and driving fundraising—while overseeing events and partnerships to support the Institute’s mission. Prior to joining Caltech, Greg worked in donor relations at Cedars-Sinai and the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors for the past decade.
- 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.