The university's Academic Senate and Federation have presented their top academic honors for 2024, and the faculty recipients are being showcased not just for their expertise, but also for their teaching, mentorship and public service. In all, 15 faculty members have received awards from the two groups at UC Davis.

Honorees this year include three from the School of Veterinary Medicine: Health Science Clinical Professor Kirsten Gilardi, Professor in Cooperative Extension Pramod Pandey, and Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor April Choi.

Academic Federation James H. Meyer Distinguished Achievement Award

Health Sciences Clinical Professor Kirsten Gilardi has been part of the UC Davis Community since 1989. She is currently the director of the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, a research, service and teaching center of excellence. In 2005, she founded the California Lost Fishing Gear Recovery Program, which hires experienced commercial scuba divers to remove gear and other marine debris from near-shore waters in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner. This program continues to help reduce the potential impact of losing fishing gear and marine debris on living marine resources and underwater habitat. Beyond her significant accomplishments in her field, her colleagues around the world highlight her passion for her position at UC Davis “that expects her to protect wild animals and wild places.”

Excellence in Research Award

Professor in Cooperative Extension Pramod Pandey’s exceptional research on manure management has significant impact in rural areas across California. Pandey’s research addresses contemporary issues including the impact of livestock on global warming and antibiotic resistance. His innovative and risk-taking approach to control waste in agricultural production has provided a leading edge for his research program. Pandey’s multidisciplinary applied research in manure and water has secured consistent significant external funding. He was also able to develop an impressive research and outreach program with significant social impact.

Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching or Mentoring

Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor April Choi is a gifted teacher with a continuously stellar record of clinical teaching and resident evaluations. Her accomplishments are exceptional. A mentee describes her: “You stand out as a mentor — in a very strong group of mentors — for being so incredibly engaged in our learning curve.” Choi’s commitment to creating deep learning experiences generates high praise: “Her grasp of all diagnostic aspects of the case is remarkable, and so supports deep and useful discussions with integration of all clinical and pathogenesis material.” She is collegial, positive, and described by her department chair as “an emerging leader in our service, department, and professional curriculum… a quintessential professional, with her eye focused on the very best she can do for her colleagues and students.”

The full list of winners, with profiles submitted by awards committees from the senate and federation, can be found here.

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Cody Kitaura is the editor of Dateline UC Davis and can be reached by email or at 530-752-1932.