Chris Gelino

Chris Gelino serves as an Associate Scientist at Caltech's Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC), where he has worked for over 22 years. His primary roles include Archive Scientist for the Keck Observatory Archive (KOA) and Quality Assurance Scientist for the Near-Earth Object Surveyor (NEOS) mission.

His research focuses on brown dwarf astronomy and binary systems, utilizing high-resolution imaging from telescopes like Keck and Gemini to discover companions to substellar objects. Gelino pioneered cataloging techniques during his PhD that evolved into critical resources for missions like WISE/NEOWISE, leading to discoveries of approximately 10 binary brown dwarfs.

Gelino's scientific contributions center on resolving blended light in infrared surveys to identify binary systems crucial for mass measurements. His work with WISE/NEOWISE revealed that 10-20% of discovered brown dwarfs are actually binaries, fundamentally advancing understanding of substellar object formation.

As KOA Archive Scientist, he ensures data usability for global researchers, while his NEOS role involves developing quality assurance tools for solar system object detection ahead of the 2027 launch. Gelino emphasizes community collaboration, noting IPAC's supportive culture as instrumental during regional wildfires.