#SoCaltech: Patrick Leahy

“While in grad school, I read an article in National Geographic about Wheeler North and the research he was doing at a marine lab on the West Coast. Working at a place like that would surely be my 'dream job.' A few years later, I drifted out to California, where I applied for one job only and was lucky enough to get it. On my first day, I met Wheeler. On my third day, I was chatting with Max Delbrück, a Nobel laureate. At that point, I knew I was in a special place. The opportunities were endless. My name was added to several scientific papers, including a chapter I wrote for Methods in Cell Biology on how to raise sea urchins. Having one of my photos grace the cover of Science was also a thrill.”

Patrick Leahy, a staff member at the Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory, retired from Caltech on March 1 after 45 years of service. 

#SoCaltech is an occasional series celebrating the diverse individuals who give Caltech its spirit of excellence, ambition, and ingenuity. Know someone we should profile? Send nominations to magazine@caltech.edu.