Community Member Milestones
- Welcome to Caltech:
Jess Ayers
Jess joins Caltech as an administrative assistant in the Caltech Library's Business and Operations team. In this role, they will assist with purchasing supplies and books for the libraries, financial processing and reports, event organization, and more. Jess has previously worked as a receptionist and administrator in corporate environments, in high-end catering and fine dining, and in various roles in the entertainment industry.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Jay Labinger
After 39 years at Caltech, Jay will retire on March 31. Jay joined Caltech in 1986 as faculty associate in chemistry and the founding administrator of the Beckman Institute (BI). In addition to administration, teaching, and research in chemistry, Jay has guided the BI through decades of growth to shape the trajectory of interdisciplinary studies in chemistry and biology. The BI team thanks Jay for his foundational leadership and immeasurable contributions over decades of service.
- Marking a new chapter:
Betsy Mitchell
After 14 years as Caltech’s director of athletics, physical education, and recreation, Betsy Mitchell will be stepping down from her role at Caltech in spring. During her tenure, Betsy transformed the athletics program and established a strong sense of school pride across campus.
- Celebrating a promotion:
Becky McKinney
Becky, formerly a member of the library circulation support staff, has been promoted to library support and e-resources access associate. While continuing to contribute to library circulation, she will also manage digital collections, maintain reliable access, troubleshoot technical issues, and support research and learning across Caltech.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Hiro Yamamoto
Hiro, a senior staff scientist with the LIGO Laboratory, is retiring this spring. He has made significant contributions to LIGO's success over the years, particularly in understanding the subtle effects of mirror distortion in complex optical resonators. "The entire LIGO Laboratory will miss Hiro's good humor and vital wisdom as we venture into our next phase of exciting science and engineering," says professor of physics Rana Adhikari.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Romina-Marie Baronia
Romina has been appointed programming and operations coordinator at the Caltech Center for Inclusion and Diversity. A 2022 creative writing graduate from the University of Redlands, she previously served with AmeriCorps VISTA, focusing on STEM education equity. She looks forward to advancing inclusivity at Caltech.