Cailin Plunkett Accepts Apker Award, Gives Invited Talk at APS April Meeting

It was a true delight to travel to Sacramento last week to see Cailin Plunkett ‘24 receive her Apker Award from the American Physical Society. Sadly, my flight was delayed by 4hr and I was literally in the cab on my way to the convention center when they read her citation at the award ceremony, but I got there in time to grab a glass of free champagne and snap this lovely picture of Cailin with her award.

As an added perk, Cailin got to headline an APS meeting session on exoplanet physics. I was a postdoc before being invited to give a conference talk, so Cailin has already (and unsurprisingly) surpassed me. :)

Similarly unsurprising was the engaging and crystal clear talk that she delivered with characteristic aplomb, all while being the youngest person in the room. Perhaps it’s a cliche, but I’m gonna say it anyway - watch out for this rising star!