CBS Nets Multiple Year-End Mentorship and Research Awards
Graduate Studies and Undergraduate Research Center recognize CBS students, postdocs and faculty
With the close of the academic year just around the corner, many in the college are being recognized for the previous year’s accomplishments by campus units. With awards for undergraduate students, as well as postdocs and faculty, CBS was well-represented across campus award and honor ceremonies. The full list of recipients can be found on the respective award websites.
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research/Dean Keith Simonton Prize
The Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, coupled with the Dean Keith Simonton Prize, recognizes outstanding undergraduate graduating seniors for their research, scholarship or creative activity performed UC Davis.
2022 Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Dean Keith Simonton Prize
Henry Low - Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior
Henry Low is an academic assistant and tutor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior.
Honorable Mention
Katherine Hand - Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior
Katherine Hand studies cell signaling pathways and viral evolution in the laboratory of Nitzan Shabek. In 2021, she received a second-place prize in the STEM category of the UC Davis Library’s Lang Prize for her work researching viruses.
Dean Keith Simonton Prize for Creativity in Undergraduate Research
The Dean Keith Simonton Prize for Creativity in Undergraduate Research supports and encourages early and continuing undergraduate research performed by second or third-year UC Davis students under the guidance of UC Davis faculty. The award is made possible through a generous endowment by Distinguished Professor Emeritus Dean Keith Simonton, who started his own research career as an undergraduate student.
2022 Dean Keith Simonton Prize for Creativity in Undergraduate Research
Samuel Carter - Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Samuel Carter transferred to UC Davis from Sacramento City College after receiving associate degrees in biology and chemistry. He is in the laboratory of David E. Olson and plans to attend graduate school for neuroscience.
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research
This annual award was instituted in 1994 to recognize faculty for excellence in mentoring undergraduate research and emphasize the importance and visibility of faculty’s contribution to the excellence in mentoring and advocacy for undergraduate research and creative activities.
2022 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research
Post Doc/Project Scientist Category:
Marina LaForgia - Postdoctoral Fellow, Gremer Lab, Department of Evolution and Ecology
Faculty Category:
Nitzan Shabek - Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Biology
Distinguished Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentorship Award
The Distinguished Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentorship Awards recognize the vital role mentoring plays in the academic and professional development of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at UC Davis. A letter of recognition and $1,000 will be conferred to each awardee.
2022 Distinguished Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentorship Award
Thomas Hahn - Professor, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior
“Dr. Hahn’s mentorship goes beyond our research projects. He is deeply committed to supporting students as people and has been a resource during professional and personal challenges that inevitably come up during graduate school.” - Nomination letter for Dr. Hahn
Wolf-Dietrich Heyer - Professor and Chair, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
“Wolf was a patient and empathetic supporter…taking time to hear my concerns as to how the pandemic was affecting my research progress and also me personally…this demonstrates that Dr. Heyer is sensitive to the needs of all his trainees and adjusted his mentorship style to give me the help that I needed during this trying time.” - Diedre Reitz, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
2022 Honorable Mention
David Begun - Professor, Department of Evolution and Ecology
For: “Support of students throughout their career path.”
Media Resources
This story was adapted from postings by the Undergraduate Research Center (URC) and Graduate Studies.