Community Member Milestones
- 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.
- Welcome to Caltech:
William Phillips
On January 5, William joined Caltech as operations staff in Athletics, Recreation, and Instruction (ARI). At ARI, he will assist with the membership program, provide customer service to guests and members of the facility, and work collaboratively with the operations team and department staff. Prior to Caltech, he worked in operations and athletics at Providence Christian College.
- Celebrating a recognition:
Jonas Flygare
Jonas received the Alumnus of the Year – Rising Star award from his alma mater, Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden at the end of 2025. He was recognized for his contributions to the development of future radio astronomy, especially through the Deep Synoptic Array project at Caltech, where he leads the feed antenna design.
- Celebrating a recognition:
Isaac Aguilar
Isaac, a second-year PhD student in geobiology, won an Environment and Exposures Research Poster Award for the Caltech volunteer community ash study on the 2025 Eaton Fire. He and other Caltech researchers from the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences presented research at the first annual LA Fires Research Conference hosted by UCLA on January 14.