When NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit got stuck in Martian sand, Amanda Toledo Barrios wanted to ensure that it never happened again. With donor support, Caltech students like Amanda can turn ambitious goals like these into a reality.

Amanda Toledo Barrios, BA '22 and GA '26, engineering and applied sciences, is a recipient of a Graduate Fellowship, which made it possible for her to attend Caltech. Amanda was worried about being able to afford the costs of living in California while studying., and her fellowship provided the assistance that allowed her to work toward her PhD without a financial burden and to fully take advantage of the Institute's abundant opportunities.

Now, a doctoral student in aerospace engineering within the award-winning Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT) in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at Caltech, Amanda assesses surface stability to devise ways in which to prevent vehicles from getting stuck and structures from catastrophically collapsing due to wind, waves, and earthquakes. She appreciates that donors continue to support students like her, setting her up for success.

A Mexican-Guatemalan American from Texas, Amanda values programs offered through Caltech's Center for Inclusion and Diversity, as well as through Club Latino. She can gather with students and staff from similar backgrounds and form connections that help to reinforce that she has a place not just at Caltech, but also in the broader field of engineering. Caltech Fund donors make these opportunities available through their generous gifts.

Support other students like Amanda today by making an online gift through the Caltech Fund.