Faces of CCE
Johannes Morstein Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Johannes grew up in Rysum and Bremen, Germany. He studied chemistry and biochemistry at the Ludwig Maximilians Universität in Munich and the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Johannes gained his first research experience as a visiting researcher with Chris Chang and John Hartwig at UC Berkeley. From there he went on to pursue his graduate studies with Dirk Trauner at New York University. While at NYU, Johannes developed photoswitchable lipids that enable the precise spatiotemporal control of lipid biology and metabolism in cells and in vivo.
After receiving his Ph.D. in 2021, Johannes moved to UCSF as a NIH NCI F99/K00 and K99/R00 postdoctoral fellow with Kevan Shokat and worked on expanding the druggability of GTPases, which were long considered 'undruggable' targets. Upon completion of his postdoctoral studies in 2025, Johannes joined CCE as an Assistant Professor. His group is working on Lipid and Membrane Chemical Biology.
Allen Lee Facilities and Stockroom Manager
Allen brings nearly three decades of experience as Lab Manager in the Rees Lab, where he oversaw lab operations, coordinated complex relocations, and contributed to research featured in Science. His deep knowledge of Caltech’s systems and his collaborative approach has been invaluable during this transition as he works alongside Joe Drew through January 2026. Allen earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from UCLA and his Master of Public Administration at CSU Northridge. Beyond Caltech, he has served in leadership roles with PUSD PTA/PTSA, Scouting America (Boy Scouts), and his church community. In his personal life, Allen enjoys backpacking, playing violin, and organizing group trips with family and friends.
Tiffany Safar Research Technician
Tiffany joined CCE as a Research Technician in Bil Clemons's lab in August 2025. Her educational and research journey began just a few blocks down at Pasadena City College and culminated in a bachelor's degree from UC San Diego earlier this year. At Caltech, Tiffany is committed to supporting her lab members' projects and ensuring laboratory operations run smoothly each day. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring museums and cafe-hopping with her sisters.
Rajan Paranji Manager of NMR Facility
Rajan developed an early passion for astrophysics after seeing the iconic image of the Andromeda Galaxy from Caltech’s 200-inch telescope. Inspired by Einstein, Feynman, and a cousin studying physics, he pursued science through a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics and Physical Chemistry in India. Recognizing the power of interdisciplinary work, he moved into Magnetic Resonance research, completing a biophysics postdoc at National Tsing Hua University and later conducting protein NMR research at Rutgers University.
After five years at Rutgers, Rajan became Director of the NMR Facility at the University of Washington, a role held for 22 years before achieving a long-held dream: leading the NMR facility in CCE. Dedicated to supporting innovative research and collaboration, Rajan aims to keep curiosity and discovery at the forefront of Caltech’s scientific community.
Renee Medina Administrative Assistant
Renee earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and is currently completing her Master of Public Health in Applied Epidemiology.
While at CSUN, she served as a project coordinator in research focusing on stress and health disparities at the Metabolism & Stress Assessment Lab, where she also mentored aspiring undergraduate researchers. She is a proud Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar and NIH BUILD PODER alum, reflecting her commitment to advancing diversity in research and promoting health equity.
Renee has a real passion for dancing, reading, and hiking. Joining the CCE division is an exciting step for her as she looks forward to combining her enthusiasm for learning with her dedication to working with students.
Andy Lo Administrative Assistant
Andy earned his bachelor's degree in Education and Psychology from UCI. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs at USC.
With a strong foundation in educational development and student support, Andy strives to foster an inclusive learning environment and to empower students to thrive both academically and personally. Andy enjoys playing volleyball, watching basketball, and building Legos in his free time.
Alissa Koeppe Administrative Assistant
Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Alissa attended UC Santa Cruz where she double majored in Film Production and Anthropology. She moved to Los Angeles in 2014 and spent the next 10 years working as an Associate Producer in television. She officially joined CCE in early December as an Administrative Assistant. In her free time, Alissa loves to write, read, play piano, go to art shows with her friends, talk to her cat, nerd out over Tudor history, and tend to her garden filled with California native plants.
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