Jason Herum, the Diving Safety Officer (DSO) at UC Davis, stands as a beacon of safety and leadership in the world of scientific diving. His unwavering dedication to promoting diving safety, risk management, and accident prevention has earned him the prestigious Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Award. Based out of the Bodega Marine Laboratory (BML), Jason oversees all UC Davis Scientific Diving Operations, providing advanced SCUBA diver training certifications, project support, evaluations, and approvals for underwater research endeavors across the globe.

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• In his role, Jason has demonstrated expert leadership and safety management strategies, not only for UC Davis but also for the UC Office of the President (UCOP) Diving Safety Workgroup, which encompasses all UC campuses conducting scientific diving operations. Under his guidance, the UC Davis Diving Safety Program achieved full accreditation from the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, showcasing his commitment to excellence and safety.
  
  Jason's impact extends beyond the borders of UC Davis. He actively collaborates with UC campuses and scientific institutions nationwide, serving as a co-author of the S.A.F.E Learning Environment program, which focuses on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within diving and boating safety training.

  James Fitzgerald, Jason's nominator, emphasizes his exceptional leadership qualities, stating, "Jason's genuine concern and generous contributions are recognized and embraced by everyone who relies upon his experience and expertise."

  Reflecting on the significance of the award, Jason expresses his gratitude and appreciation for his team members, stating, "I am so proud to receive this recognition, and do so on behalf of our entire UCD Boating and Diving Safety Program. While diving is an incredible tool, the use of underwater technologies in field research also has inherent risks. The success of my role relies heavily on great team leaders and individual divers, who are out in the field making decisions for themselves and their team members." He sees the award as a recognition of his commitment to management, initiative, and impact in ensuring the safety and success of the UC Davis Boating and Diving Safety Program.

  In addition to his role as DSO, Jason also serves on the UC Davis EH&S Field Safety Committee, the UCOP Field Safety Committee, the UC Davis Diving Board Control, the Bodega Marine Lab Marine Operations Committee, and is currently the co-chair of the UCOP Dive Officers Workgroup. Beyond his responsibilities at UC Davis, Jason volunteers with the Sonoma Coast Historic and Undersea Nautical Research Society (SCHUNRS), promoting maritime cultural heritage and public stewardship along the Sonoma-Mendocino Redwood Coast.

  Jason's dedication to safety, coupled with his collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence, makes him an invaluable asset to UC Davis and the broader scientific diving community. Through his leadership, he continues to inspire and empower divers to achieve their academic and professional goals while ensuring the highest standards of safety and research integrity.

Wendy Lilliedoll, J.D., leads a dedicated team of 5 investigators and an analyst overseeing a wide range of civil rights investigations for UC Davis and UC Davis Health. Her work is improving how our campuses, as well as other UC campuses, investigate compliance and policy violations. 

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• "Wendy’s dedication to both fair process and the dignity of every person involved in our investigative work is truly astonishing. Wendy works doggedly and compassionately to develop and maintain procedures that ensure our team’s work upholds the university’s Principles of Community and respects the dignity of our community members," said Britta Pomerantz, Wendy's nominator.
  
  At UC Davis, compliance is a shared responsibility, and the UC Davis Office of Compliance and Policy promotes ethical conduct and a culture of compliance by educating community members about their responsibilities and responding promptly and effectively to reports of misconduct. 

  According to Wendy, everyone has work to do in terms of treating each other the best that we possibly could, but UC Davis does a commendable job holding people accountable for their words and actions, regardless of who they are. Early in Wendy’s tenure at UC Davis, a university leader assured her that the investigations team best protects the university not by reaching certain findings, but by identifying issues so we can understand and address them, fostering trust and demonstrating integrity. 

  Wendy's leadership extends beyond UC Davis, having played a pivotal role in UC Davis’ Police Accountability Board (PAB) – the first in the UC system. In fact, the UC Presidential Community Safety Plan, issued in 2021, tasked all campuses with modeling UC Davis’ PAB to ensure each community fostered accountability and transparency around police actions and decisions. Wendy’s team now provides investigation support for those efforts system wide. 

  "This work is hard, and what makes it rewarding is being surrounded by amazing people that do great work. What I value about this recognition is where it came from – from a member of my team and with the support of my supervisor." -- Wendy Lilliedoll

Elizabeth Sturdy stands as an exemplary figure at UC Davis, earning recognition through her exceptional dedication and innovative approach to addressing the critical need for comprehensive mentoring programs for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. As the Director of Mentoring and Academic Success Initiatives, Elizabeth spearheads campus-wide efforts aimed at enhancing mentorship quality and fostering a supportive academic environment.

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• Recognizing a significant gap in mentorship training, Elizabeth took the initiative to create a multifaceted mentoring program, the Graduate Mentoring Initiative, in 2021. This program revolutionized the landscape for graduate education at UC Davis, training over 200 faculty members and establishing essential resources for mentors and mentees alike.

  Nicole Rabaud, who nominated Elizabeth for the Chancellor's Outstanding Staff award, lauds her tireless efforts, highlighting the transformative impact of her other endeavors including the Graduate Program Collective and the Faculty Academy of Graduate Student Wellbeing, which provide address mentoring, advising, and mental health in graduate programs. “Culture is notoriously difficult to change, and yet Elizabeth’s determination in this area is unwavering, through tireless advocacy and self-improvement, through capacity-building with campus ambassadors and allies, through innovation and continuous assessment.”

  Elizabeth’s most recent initiative, Mentoring Up, addresses the diverse mentorship needs of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and teaches different approaches to working with faculty. Students attest this program alleviates anxiety and depression among newer students. Additionally, they highlight Elizabeth's role as a facilitator, praising her understanding, patience, and compassion.

  In her own words, Elizabeth reflects on the significance of the award, acknowledging the challenging circumstances amidst the pandemic and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on her accomplishments. “This award represents a celebration of what has been built over the past five years. There is still so much more to do and address, but this helps to take time and reflect on what has been accomplished thus far. I am very grateful to have been recognized in this way.”

  Elizabeth also actively contributes to various committees and initiatives focused on equity, retention, and professional development, including the Advising for Equity Administrative Advisory Committee, Coaching Community of Practice, GS I-DARE Committee and the UC-Wide Retention Committee.

  Elizabeth Sturdy's relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to mentorship serve as a beacon of inspiration, setting a high standard for university impact and fostering a culture of support and growth at UC Davis.

On top of her day job as budget director for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Shannon plays a key role in promoting collaboration and best practices among financial support staff on the Davis campus. Nominated three times, Shannon's efforts around communications, and building a community of practice are enhancing sound fiscal management across the campus.

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• “Shannon has an impressive talent for distilling financial information into communications that make sense and are relevant to financial support staff in academic units,” remarked Kate Tweddale, chief administrative officer for the Department of Chemistry and one of Shannon’s nominators. “With her calm demeanor, financial expertise, and personal integrity, she’s been our trusted partner leading the way.”
  
  Under Shannon’s leadership, the Financial Services Group (FSG), an informal network of fiscal officers has grown in size and impact. Initially designed to benefit the 40 fiscal officers in CAES, the FSG now includes 233 individuals who benefit from the recurring platform for sharing ideas, practices, and informal training on financial topics. Shannon's commitment to ensuring information is relevant to the broadest possible audience has transformed the FSG into a valuable resource for academic and administrative departments alike.

  The FSG focuses on timely topics and areas where colleagues may need extra assistance, ranging from gift and endowment accounting to Excel tips and travel reimbursement processes. Shannon’s proactive approach has played a pivotal role in preparing the campus for significant system launches, such as UCPath and Aggie Enterprise, enabling colleagues to understand impacts and navigate changes effectively. For example, Shannon recognizes that financial personnel will have a steep learning curve managing fiscal close in our new Aggie Enterprise environment and will leverage the FSG to share information and best practices that offer immense value to her colleagues and the university community.

  In Shannon's words, "We are smart and can do hard things, together. I'm proud to be part of an exceptionally talented group supporting the finances for UC Davis and CAES, and blessed to have so many colleagues take part in the FSG. I'm glad they find value in this network we've created."

Bill received an astonishing seven nominations – with all seven nominators praising his integrity and kindness. However, Bill’s contributions extend far beyond creating a positive work climate, encompassing financial oversight for up to 50 research grants at any given point. Of the many research projects Bill supports, his main focus is the administration of a complex multi-year research grant from the US Department of Energy Office of Science, spanning multiple fields, from high-energy collider physics to cosmology.

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• The extensive grant portfolio Bill manages funds millions of dollars in research annually, supporting the work of around 25 faculty members and well over 100 researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students.
  
  Bill excels in navigating grant requirements, particularly the complexities of what is allowed in terms of travel and equipment purchases. Additionally, his meticulous expense tracking is imperative to meeting annual and quarterly grant reporting obligations that keep the Physics department in good standing with funders, with minimal effort required of busy researchers.

  "One of Bill's many distinguishing attributes is that he is always finding ways to improve our practices,” remarked one nominator, assistant professor Tucker Jones. “Some time ago he started providing regular account forecasts, updated monthly. I had not asked for this but now I wonder how I ever managed without it!"

  Furthermore, Bill has cultivated strong collaborative peer relationships across campus, allowing him to share knowledge and best practices with other grant administrators, while also bringing leading practices back to the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

  Reflecting on his recognition, Bill humbly remarked, "This award was so unexpected that I am somewhat at a loss for words. I am deeply grateful that my efforts are valued by the department, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such thoughtful colleagues. Thank you for a wonderful surprise."

Tabatha Yang, the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the UC Davis Bohart Museum of Entomology, embodies the spirit of engagement, innovation, and inclusivity that defines the university. With 15 years of dedicated service at the Bohart Museum, Tabatha spearheads a variety of educational initiatives aimed at demystifying and highlighting insects, spiders, science, and higher education. 

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• Through open houses, classroom visits, fairs, festivals, and other outreach programs, she helps the museum connect with over 10,000 people each year. Under her leadership, museum walk-ins, tours and tabling events provide opportunities for students, staff and faculty to engage in science communication, highlight research and connect with others. 
  
  Tabatha annually chairs the committee that hosts UC Davis Biodiversity Museum Day, a “Super Science Day,”  that showcases 10 to 12 museums or collections and highlights UC Davis’ research, collections and biodiversity, drawing thousands to campus. 
  
  Tabatha is also the founder and director of Bio Boot Camps, an immersive experience that ignites passion and curiosity in teenagers from around the globe. These camps, held annually since 2011, except during COVID, offer a gateway to the wonders of ecology, scientific exploration, and campus life. Campers tour UC Davis and its museums and collections and embark on scientific explorations of the UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, Quail Ridge Field Sation, Bodega Marine Laboratory and Bodega Marine Reserve and UC Berkeley’s Sagehen Creek Field Station. With needs-based scholarships, Tabatha ensures inclusivity, making dreams a reality for aspiring young scientists. 
  
  Kathy Keatley Garvey, nominating Tabatha for the Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Award, praises her as a beacon of positivity and collaboration. “Tabatha exemplifies the face, the voice, and the ‘I-care-you-matter’ rallying cry of UC Davis. She is a powerful positive influence, not only in performance and engagement, but also in efficiency, integrity, kindness, and collaboration.” 
  
  For Tabatha, the award is a testament to the collective efforts of the university community. "It is a huge honor, as there are so many staff on this campus who are equally dedicated to doing good work on behalf of the University and the people of California. I am constantly motivated by the talented students, dedicated staff, and passionate faculty and associates that I get to work with on a daily basis. Everything really is a team effort.” 
  
  In her role at the Bohart Museum, Tabatha has collaborated with Campus Recreation Youth Programs, the University of California Natural Reserve System, the Internship and Career Center, the Entomology Graduate Student Association and the Entomology Club, and works regularly with Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP), Continuing and Professional Education, the MIND Institute, and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). 
  
  In collaboration with diverse organizations and departments, Tabatha amplifies UC Davis's impact, making it a hub for scientific discovery and education. Her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication inspire colleagues and participants alike, leaving an undeniable mark on the university and the broader community. 

Senior Clinical Research Coordinator at the UC Davis MIND Institute, Abigail Borbe, embodies the blend of compassion and dedication that’s required of those who excel in her line of work. With seven years of dedicated service, Abigail has not only shown remarkable leadership but has also spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that have positively impacted patients and families in profound ways.

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• In her role, Abigail oversees seven clinical trials in the Department of Pediatrics Division of Genomics, coordinating with families face-to-face and also moving the ship forward behind the scenes. When UC Davis Health introduced the new clinical trial management system, Abigail was the designated subject matter expert and led the seamless integration of all seven trials into the new system within just four months. She further exceeded expectations by adding protocols, creating study visit profiles, and providing crucial training to research teams.
  
  However, it's not just about streamlining processes for Abigail; it's about making a tangible difference in patients' lives. When a newborn baby was diagnosed with Menkes disease, a rare and life-threatening condition, his life expectancy was determined to be 3 years. Within an astonishingly brief period of 4.5 weeks (typically 6 months), Abigail navigated through the complexities of approvals, communications, and regulatory work to ensure the baby received the necessary treatment, drastically improving the patient’s quality of life. His life expectancy is now determined to be around 20 years.

  Beyond her professional achievements, Abigail embodies a culture of kindness and support within her teams. Her nominator, Dr. Randi Hagerman, described her as “a natural cheerleader for her teams… [whose] actions have touched many staff members and made them feel  appreciated and seen in ways they don’t typically feel.” From organizing team outings and lunches to writing heartfelt handwritten notes of appreciation, Abigail is known to foster a sense of belonging and nurturing a work environment where everyone thrives.

  Remembering the moment she learned about her award, Abigail humbly remarked, “I wasn’t sure it was real at first… There are so many people doing incredible things here and it feels good to be appreciated among them. I’m very proud to be doing my part and can’t express how grateful I am to be on my team.”

At UC Davis Health, culinary excellence meets sustainability under the expert guidance of Santana Diaz, the Director of Culinary Operations and Innovation, and Executive Chef for Food and Nutrition Services. On a mission to revolutionize the hospital's approach to food service, Diaz oversees all culinary operations, striving to provide nutritious and delicious meals to patients while reducing the environmental impact of food procurement and waste.

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• Under Diaz's leadership and tendency to think outside the box, UC Davis Health has embarked on several groundbreaking initiatives, including a room service program that offers patients personalized, freshly prepared meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences within a 45-minute window. Diaz explained, “three meals a day plus an average hospital stay of 6 days equals 18 opportunities to extend compassion and autonomy to those who need it most…That’s what I love most about this work-- asking questions, challenging the status quo and knowing that we’re making a difference.”
  
  Diaz's impact extends beyond the hospital walls, as evidenced by the numerous awards and accolades the institution has received under his leadership. UC Davis Health's sustainability efforts, spearheaded by his team, have garnered recognition from esteemed organizations such as Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth, earning the hospital a place among the nation's top three leaders in healthcare sustainability. Additionally, UC Davis Health was honored with an award from the International Fresh Produce Association for its exemplary procurement practices, with a nomination from UC Merced further underscoring the institution's commitment to excellence. Stefan Toma, Project Manager and Diaz's nominator, praised him as "one of the most prominent employees to significantly elevate UC Davis Health's reputation in our community." 

  Diaz’s commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by his partnering with organizations like Copia to divert edible food waste to local food banks, reducing food waste while supporting community organizations. He also championed the innovative Cow Saves Soil program, which converts food waste into nutrient-rich compost for agricultural use, closing the loop on food waste and promoting environmental stewardship.

  As UC Davis Health looks towards the future, Diaz’s leadership continues to drive progress and innovation in culinary operations. His unwavering dedication to sustainability, coupled with his culinary expertise, makes him a driving force for positive change in healthcare food service and our community as a whole. 

In the intricate web of healthcare systems, where efficiency can mean the difference between timely care and prolonged waiting, Leah Galasso is lauded by her team as a beacon of innovation and leadership. As the Project Manager for the Practice Experience Program (PEP) within the Department of Clinical Informatics at UC Davis Health, Leah has spearheaded a transformative journey in optimizing Electronic Health Record (EHR) training, redefining standards and setting new benchmarks and creating a future where healthcare delivery is not just efficient but also profoundly impactful and patient-centered.

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• Grounded in human-centric design principles, Leah meticulously crafted an infrastructure that provides clinicians with opportunities for continuous EHR efficiency learning and fosters engagement. Her approach, deeply rooted in understanding the needs of healthcare providers, has been pivotal in reshaping how physicians interact with and utilize EHR systems.
  
  Leah’s impact is not merely theoretical; in 2023 alone, her initiative led to a staggering 173% increase in individual training sessions, empowering over 500 physicians with crucial EHR efficiency skills. This surge in training sessions was achieved with the same number of full-time staff, a testament to the efficacy of Leah’s strategic planning and execution.

  The tangible outcomes of Leah’s efforts reverberate across various specialties within UC Davis Health. From a 36% decrease in note-taking time in the Department of Plastic Surgery to a 46.5% increase in same-day appointment closures for Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Oncology & Interventional Pulmonary, Leah’s work has directly improved patient care experiences and streamlined operational workflows.

  Reflecting on her journey, Leah emphasizes the importance of teamwork and support. "I'm truly blessed to work with such hardworking and lovely individuals," she remarks, highlighting time and time again that her success is deeply intertwined with the collective efforts of her colleagues and mentors, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving milestones.

  Looking ahead, Leah’s vision extends far beyond the immediate achievements. Her EHR Optimization Training model is poised to become the designated operational training structure for the Clinical Informatics Department in 2024. In the words of her nominator and Director of Clinical Informatics and Clinician Health & Wellbeing, Melissa Jost, “ As we look forward, Leah's impact promises to shape the future of healthcare delivery, creating a lasting legacy at UC Davis Health.”

Morgan Luthi, the Director of Curriculum and Educational Technology at UC Davis School of Medicine, plays a central role in the dynamic realm of education management-- and has mastered the juggling act it requires-- over his 17 years with the health system.  With a profound commitment to the success of the medical school's transformative initiatives, Morgan is hailed by Jennifer Plant, Assistant Dean for Medical Education, as "the glue that holds the curriculum together and the engine that keeps it running." 

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• In his role, Morgan oversaw a team tasked with managing the comprehensive overhaul of the curriculum, which necessitated restructuring staff roles and adapting to new responsibilities amidst preparation for the notoriously rigorous medical school accreditation-- all during the COVID-19 pandemic. But Morgan reflects on this time solely focusing on the silver linings “2020 helped our team recognize the importance of collaborative efforts, and the potential of technology to enhance communication. These are lessons that continue to shape our practices to this day, and I’m truly grateful.”
  
  Passionate about problem-solving and process improvement, Morgan finds fulfillment in addressing challenges head-on, whether it's troubleshooting immediate issues or building sustainable systems for the future.

  Beyond administrative duties, Morgan's commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment shines through in interactions with students and faculty alike. From facilitating faculty development sessions to collaborating on educational conferences, Morgan actively contributes to enhancing the educational experience for all stakeholders. 

  “Navigating the complexities of educational management effectively takes a village… I feel wildly grateful for the opportunity to solve puzzles all day with such a talented team. I’m proud that we’ve been able to accomplish so much and am honored to be recognized.” -- Morgan Luthi

Nichole Mahaffey, a long-standing member of UC Davis Health's clinical trials department, began her journey at UC Davis Health in 2004 as a junior specialist while pursuing her PhD in genetics. Her interest in clinical trials blossomed during her graduate studies, where she gained hands-on experience in supporting trials alongside her research work. Since then, Nichole has transitioned to various roles within the Cancer Center's clinical trial department, eventually supervising a team responsible for data management and sponsor reporting.

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• Reflecting on her long tenure at UC Davis Health, Nichole emphasizes the institution's patient-centered mission and nonprofit status as key factors that resonate with her values. “Choosing to be a part of UC Davis Health over a private organization means that you get to be on a team where everyone truly prioritizes the patient experience and research excellence above all else.”
  
  Her team plays a crucial but often overlooked role in ensuring the success of clinical trials. They meticulously handle data collection, processing, and reporting to regulatory bodies and sponsors, shouldering immense responsibility in maintaining the integrity of trial data and upholding patient safety standards.

  Despite the challenges of the job, Mahaffey's leadership style fosters a supportive environment, as described by her nominator Joyce Tull, Executive Director at the Cancer Center Office of Clinical Research— "Nichole's approach to leadership goes beyond professional accomplishments; it encompasses a sincere concern for the well-being and growth of her team members. Her leadership style is characterized by a genuine desire to support and uplift those around her."

  One of the most rewarding aspects of Nichole's job is witnessing the impact of successful trials on patient outcomes. She recalls a poignant case where a patient achieved a complete response to an immunotherapy trial, ultimately leading to a groundbreaking change in ovarian cancer treatment protocols. “It was incredibly rewarding to know our team’s efforts directly contributed to this transformative outcome,” Nichole recalls. “Working in cancer is hard. But it’s cases like that, and the overwhelming support our team consistently shows each other, that make this work so amazing.”

  Reflecting on her recognition, Nichole remembers getting emotional upon learning of her several nominations from her colleagues. “These are my peers who I adore-- and they intimately understand the challenges and importance of the work we do. I was truly shocked and deeply honored that they thought to nominate me.”

The landscape of pediatric healthcare is ever-evolving, demanding specialized solutions to meet the complex needs of young patients. In 2022, Kelly Yurkosky dove head first into this dynamic world to reestablish pediatric bone transplant services at UC Davis Health.

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• "Building this program from scratch is like solving a complex puzzle. Every piece matters, and every decision shapes the future of patient care," Kelly remarked.
  
  As a Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Coordinator, Kelly's responsibilities extend far beyond the confines of traditional nursing duties. She serves as a liaison between patients, families, and the healthcare system, ensuring seamless coordination of care throughout the transplant journey. From conducting in-depth patient assessments to facilitating complex treatment protocols and orchestrating the intricate process of program development, Kelly's expertise and compassion is on display at every turn. 
  
  Nurse Leader and Kelly’s nominator, Capriel Fazzini spoke about Kelly’s impact— “In truth, we would not be where we are today, getting ready to admit our first patient for transplant, had it not been for the blood, sweat and tears Kelly put in. Having never worked in this capacity before, she’s had to learn an enormous amount, remain incredibly organized, and network within our institution and across several hospital systems. Her hard work and dedication will directly contribute to the transformation of healthcare for the community that UC Davis Health serves, bringing the gift of a family who has a child with cancer or chronic disease to remain close to home when in need of a life-saving stem cell transplant.”

  Reflecting upon her journey so far, Kelly remarked, “This has been a wonderful learning experience and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to help patients and families during what is often a challenging and emotionally taxing time… and being at UC Davis Health I truly feel like I’m actually helping the people in my direct community.”

  Looking forward, Kelly’s impact will extend beyond the world of pediatric bone marrow transplants. Collaborating closely with healthcare professionals across various disciplines, she will spearhead the development and implementation of innovative care pathways for other pediatric transplant services, expanding the capacity of UC Davis Health to deliver tomorrow’s health care today.