Terry McAfee was a member of the ALS community from the time he started as a user to his time as a scientific engineering associate. He passed away in September 2024 and will be missed dearly.
We have collected memories from the ALS community to share with each other and with Terry’s family. To share a message and/or photos on this page, please contact alscommunications@lbl.gov
See also:
- Terry McAfee in his own words: 2019 profile
- In Memoriam: Terry McAfee
Joshua Del Mundo, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Postdoctoral Fellow (LBNL):
I first met him at a beamtime at NSLS-II right before the pandemic. I was an early grad student and he was a postdoc. I was both amazed and intimidated at his skills and knowledge of X-ray scattering. It made me want to strive to reach his level of proficiency. Apparently, I would talk about him so much that some of my labmates would jokingly call him my “idol”. My experiences with him were a major influence in wanting to continue working at a synchrotron and I was excited to come see him at the ALS when I started my postdoc. It was devastating that he was to be diagnosed shortly after I started, but I was lucky enough to meet him one last time earlier this year. I will greatly miss him and would like to express my condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and LBNL.
Isaac Zakaria, ALS Doctoral Fellow (LBNL):
I worked alongside Terry while I was a Doctoral Fellow at the ALS. While I only knew Terry for a short time, I appreciated his practical dedication to making science happen, and I have a few fond memories of chatting with him about cars and engineering while repairing one of the beamlines. As a user at the ALS, I always felt comfortable asking Terry for help and enjoyed working with him. Terry did a lot to support the APXPS program, and when he went on leave from the ALS last year, I and others in the program felt his absence immediately.
Tibbers Hao, ALS Computing Group Postdoctoral Fellow (LBNL):
The first time I knew Terry was about 5 years ago, when I moved to Berkeley for my ALS doctoral fellowship. We briefly met during the student & postdoc safety circle, and one year later we both contributed to the orientation for the new cohorts. I still remember he talked about the best sofa to use for overnight shifts, which shower is bad at ALS, and the need to take care of yourself. Those practical advice made me feel that he knew this place so well. I did not have direct overlap with him at work, and we barely came across afterwards. Two years later, I finished my fellowship and returned to the ALS in 2021. One day when I was grocery shopping at Berkeley Bowl West, I came across Terry at the front gate. Thought that he would probably forget me already, he greeted me with my name and a smile. That was one of the heartwarming moments I can still feel now. It was truly my pleasure to know him in my life.
Maria T. Moreno, Upward Bound & Upward Bound Math and Science Projects Director (Chico State):
I was lucky enough to have met Terry back in 2004 when he came into our Upward Bound Math and Science program as an 11th grader and little did I know then what an impact he would have on our program. While pursuing his undergraduate physics degree here at Chico State, he tutored our high school students and was a resident advisor in our six-week summer program for several years.
We loved when he was in town visiting family, because it meant he stopped in to say hi and tell us all about his job at LBL. In fact, back in 2019, he hosted a group of our students at the Berkeley Lab and talked to them about his path from a low-income small-town kid to his dream career. We will never forget Terry and what a bright light he was in our lives.
Brian A. Collins, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy (Washington State University):
Terry McAfee was a brilliant, straight forward, and kindhearted person. I hired and advised him as a postdoctoral researcher in my lab at Washington State University to develop microfluidic resonant X-ray scattering at the ALS. He was a fantastic researcher with great success in the project, but what really stood out for me was his care for others. Terry was a careful and compassionate mentor to my graduate students. As a first-generation college student, family was very important to him as well. Terry always sent a portion of his stipend back to care for his family, and he passed up other career opportunities across the country to pursue working at the ALS to be close to his family. Terry had a great sense of humor and a positive, yet realistic outlook on life that was refreshing. I’ll miss Terry very much.
Sarath Samudrala, Center for X-Ray Optics (LBNL):
When I joined the CXRO group in 2022, I met Terry in the corridor for the first time and he immediately recognized me (maybe he saw my photograph which was sent earlier to the group) and said he wanted to personally welcome me. He trained me on a few very important Nanofabrication procedures before I took over eventually. An extremely detail oriented person and very friendly and helpful individual. When I emailed him saying I could not catch up with him because of some work in the lab on Mar 8, he replied saying he hoped to meet again soon which never happened. I am tremendously regretting missing that opportunity. I still use the Nanofabrication recipes he developed and named as Terry on our ICP RIE machine.
Greg Su, Advanced Light Source and Materials Sciences Division Staff Scientist (LBNL):
Terry was not just a colleague, but a friend who consistently went above and beyond to help others. On multiple occasions when I talked to him about performing certain measurements, for example, doing reflectivity scans at 6.3.2, he would immediately offer his assistance, including staying after hours to work personally with students, postdocs, or anyone who needed guidance. His good nature and constant desire to work with others helped all of us succeed and made our workplace a more enjoyable environment. Terry, your presence will be missed.
Moni Blum, Advanced Light Source and Chemical Sciences Division Staff Scientist (LBNL):
I’m starting over and over again in writing this since I have the feeling all the words I put down are not doing Terry justice. Terry was one of the kindest souls I have ever worked with. He was friendly, caring and willing to drop what he was working on to help. He listened to every crazy idea and – as long as we did it safely – was on board with it and on the way was teaching others. I miss seeing him every morning with a smile on his face and still have the feeling he comes around the corner. Terry is and will be dearly missed!
Dave Malone, Retired ALS Staff:
Terry and I first met when he was a PhD student working for Harald Ade at 7.3.3. He was a pleasant good-natured young person who had a smile and a friendly word for everyone he met. Always willing to pitch in to help others Terry was selfless and left behind a huge void of emotional and physical support so many of his friends and collaborators came to know.
I last saw Terry at an informal cake party a handful of beamline scientists held for me just before retiring. His being there made the event that more special because for me he was one of the truly terrific people I had the pleasure of working with during my years at ALS and other areas at Berkeley Lab. Terry was kind and generous and will be missed by the many lives he touched during his lifetime.
What an amazing person he was.
Chris Huschke, Mechanical Engineer (LBNL):
Terry and myself shared an office for ~2 years where we initially got to know each other. We both liked camping and outdoors, which sparked fishing and camping trips outside of work.
Mike Martin, Photon Science Operations Group Leader (LBNL):
Terry has been in the ALS orbit for over a decade, I believe starting as a graduate student at NCSU and coming to the ALS User Meeting in 2012. He became resident at the ALS during his post-doc when he was developing techniques together with Cheng Wang at the RSoXS beamline. It was during this time that I got to know Terry’s enthusiasm for being at the ALS, and for being a mentor and colleague to other students and postdocs. Specifically, he took on leadership of the ALS student and postdoc safety circle in 2020 just after the pandemic started. While we were all (mostly) working from home, he made sure that the safety circle remained engaging and would ask me for slides about relevant Photon Science topics.
When he joined our staff as an SEA in 2021 he told me how excited he was to stay at the ALS and he was always enthusiastic to do hands-on scientific equipment development and troubleshooting. A few times he reached out directly to me to meet to discuss his projects and their timelines and needs, as well as to ask for advice on next directions. He also did important work for CXRO, very effectively splitting his time on these diverse technical projects to support both CXRO and ALS needs.
Dula Parkinson, Photon Science Operations Group Deputy (LBNL):
My memories of Terry are about how thoughtful he was about other people. I remember one example in 2020, when Terry was a co-leader for the monthly “safety circle” meeting for students and postdocs. He had the idea to have one meeting focused on psychological safety, to be able to provide the participants with resources for dealing with the pandemic and the many other challenges students and postdocs face at that stage of their career. I was impressed about how he approached the topic, and how he really thought through what other people might be experiencing and what would be helpful to them.
Patrick Naulleau, EUV Tech CEO:
I am so deeply saddened by the news of Terry’s passing. Terry represented all the best qualities of a team scientist and I was honored to have him on my team at CXRO. In addition for his dedication to excellence and thirst for knowledge, Terry was an authentic team player of utmost integrity which was a professional manifestation of his truly kind and giving spirit. On a personal level, what I will remember most about Terry is his joyous smile and his gentle confidence. Terry will be deeply missed.
Eric Gullikson, Center for X-Ray Optics Staff Scientist (LBNL):
Terry was a much appreciated collaborator at BL 632. He was always willing to help the less experienced users of the beamline even if it meant working the owl shifts. He was a part of the ALS family and went out of his way to help others. He will surely be missed.
Oleg Kostko, Terry’s CXRO/ALS colleague (LBNL):
I first met Terry during the Lab shutdown in the COVID pandemic, when we worked together on the same project. He consistently impressed me with his perseverance and dedication. Terry’s path to a scientific career wasn’t straightforward; as a first-generation college student with limited financial support, he faced numerous challenges but persevered and found ways to help others along the way. What I’ll always remember most about him is his deep care and support for his mother.
Ethan Crumlin, Chemical Sciences Division Deputy (LBNL):
Terry was a person who truly embodied the ALS spirit and, to his core, felt like he was a steward of the ALS sacred flame (its photons). He felt every photon was valuable and wanted to help as many people use it as possible. Even if staying late, coming early, stopping by on the weekend, or running a night shift, he would do it to help science be successful, and the light is used. Safety was always a priority. If there was a procedure, it was followed. Whenever anyone needed an extra hand, he’d be there. Terry‘s identity was strongly tied to his work, and he took great pride in reaching his dream job of being a SEA at ALS. He was always grateful for the community that he found at ALS/CXRO and a valuable member of the team. Every time we met, he would always ask about everyone, convey how thankful he was to our community for supporting him, and what new scientific progress had been made. He missed everyone just as much as we all missed him.
Moritz Weber, Assistant Professor at Kyushu University:
I first met Terry in April 2022 when I arrived at Berkeley Lab as a Postdoc. During our onboarding program, Terry shared his experiences at the Lab, talking about when he himself had been a Postdoc. He told us where to find the best snacks around campus and where to find a couch for catching some sleep during long beamtimes. Over the following year, he often visited me at the beamline, both day and night, to check in and offer support – support that was often needed.
When he gave me a ride to the city the other day, he mentioned that he was excited because he was about to meet his mother, who would be cooking his favorite food, and I could tell how much that meant to him. That same day, we had a small party with our group at Slavo’s house, where Terry was in a great mood, joking around. I remember thinking how hilarious he was. I will hold him in great memory.
Lorenz Falling, Former ALS Postdoctoral Fellow, now at Technical University of Munich:
When I was building my unusual contraptions at the ALS, Terry was always willing to help. He just said ‘let me know a time and I will check if we have the parts’. His good humor, kindness, and inventive ways lightened up my day.
Slavo Nemsak, ALS Staff Scientist (LBNL):
Terry was a fantastic team player. His super power was how selfless and how capable he always was when helping others. Very often he was helping truly above and beyond, whether it was about user support, maintenance work, measuring data or preparing samples for a new project. I remember one time – for a new project we had with Temple university – Terry offered to measure some data over one night and it was a nice endeavor that helped us grow closer.
I wish I spent more time with Terry outside of work. During one of our outdoor gatherings, I realized that even though he did not talk much that afternoon, I could clearly see that he was having a good time. When we talked about random things with Terry, he always talked about his mom – how she was visiting him down in Berkeley, or if he was driving up north to spend a weekend with her. I could tell she was really very dear to him.
Now, that the ALS is again starting a new cycle, I think of Terry a lot again. Over the few years I worked together with him, I always knew I could rely on him and I hope he thought the same about me. Terry’s leaving is a big loss for people that knew him, but also for the ALS as whole. He will be missed, but he will also be remembered.
Andrew Doran, ALS Scientific Instrumentation Engineer (LBNL):
I first met Terry at beamline 11.0.1 at the Advanced Light Source. He was working on the “neighbor branch” putting together new equipment for his professor and his own research. I love chatting people up, and learning what they do, and it was clear from that first interaction that we were kindred souls. I would see him on the floor on occasion, and our relationship continued when he applied for, and eventually accepted an offer as a Scientific Engineering Associate, the job I held here for most of my career. I didn’t sugar coat the minuses, but I definitely emphasized the pluses of all of the direct interactions with so many scientists, engineers, technicians, students, and other support staff in our team environment. I remember fondly sessions in my office when he would on occasion drop by for advice; we would discuss his frustrations, worries, concerns, and by the end it would turn to his commitment, excitement, and cynically tinged optimism that we’d figure it out. I was honored that he trusted me to come ask for advice, and I can only hope what little I could offer technically was buffeted by the moral support equally on offer. He made this world, and this workplace, better through his presencence. May we all keep alive his generous, honest, and sincere approach to the people we interact with. His memory is a blessing.
Stacy Penn, Terry’s Sister:
Rebecca Hamlyn, Postdoctoral Fellow (LBNL):
Terry was a beloved member of the XPS group and broader ALS family. He was always ready with a helping hand. He had a great attention to detail that really helped to facilitate important work and ensured our success. Quiet natured and kind, I’ll remember Terry for his fondness of the simplest things in life. enjoying the outdoors, fishing, music and his deep love for his family. His name riddles the tools we work with everyday, and I see this as an extension of his presence here, enabling our work and doing so safely. We miss him so.
Isvar Cordova, Program Manager for CHIPS Metrology R&D:
After spending many overnight beam times, safety trainings, and group meetings with him, it was clear that Terry was a genuine, unpretentious, and generous person. Combined with his technical abilities, these qualities demonstrated that he was cut out for the humble life as a beamline scientist in support users and colleagues. I will always remember Terry’s warm yet mischievous smile as we talked science and brushed his beard… He will be a truly missed friend of mine.
Hao Chen:
I used to work at Berkeley at Miquel Salmeron’s Lab.
I was very shocked that morning to read this message from ALS email that Terry passed away. I worked at ALS quite a lot and Terry used to support my experiment at 9.3.2 beamline. He was a very quiet person. However, he was also willing to share his opinion and experience when you talked to him. Through the limited communication with him, I know he is a cat person, and he is a Ph.D. in physics. I cannot say I know him well, but I should be the person who met him earliest at each day when my beamtime started. I usually took the night shift and each earlier morning he would come to the beamline and ask whether everything was fine. After the very quick communication if things were ok, he will go to the CXRO cleanroom for some nanofabrication. His speech speed is not fast so that I can catch up him very easily. His sound is also unique. I will remember all his favor he did to me for my research.
He is a decent, helpful, and nice person.
I wish him rest in peace in heaven.
To share a message and/or photos on this page, contact alscommunications@lbl.gov