Celina Juliano, an associate professor of molecular and cellular biology who studies the regenerative capabilities of Hydra vulgaris, a small, freshwater relative of the jellyfish, has been named a UC Davis Chancellor's Fellow. This year's fellows are experts in everything from linguistics to law, from the economics of climate change to the reliability of software. These nine faculty members — eight associate professors and one professor — are UC Davis’ newest class of Chancellor’s Fellows, a title given to early career academics doing exemplary work.

“These outstanding faculty members are some of our brightest and most promising scholars,” Chancellor Gary S. May said. “I know they will continue to impress and shine a light on the groundbreaking work happening here at UC Davis. I expect this recognition and support will help propel them to even greater heights.”

The Chancellor’s Fellows program was created in 2000, and this year’s class brings the total number of recipients to an even 200. Recipients carry the title for five years and are awarded $25,000 in unrestricted philanthropic support for research or other scholarly work.

“We’re all celebrating reaching 200 Chancellor’s Fellows,” said Shaun B. Keister, vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations. “Our dedicated donors have helped launch some of the most impactful research of the past two decades, supporting early-career experts across all disciplines. This is a true testament to how philanthropy is changing the world.”

Juliano uses the freshwater invertebrate Hydra as an animal model to study stem cell biology, aging and regeneration. Her current research investigates the cellular mechanisms of whole-body regeneration with the long-term goal of translating findings from regenerative animals like Hydra to humans.

“Dr. Juliano is a tireless and generous organizer of growing and vibrant Hydra research communities, as well as an effective trainer of the next generation of developmental biologists,” wrote Frédéric Chédin, professor and chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. “She is a fantastic and supportive instructor at undergraduate and graduate levels, and is contributing to the success of diverse cohorts of students and scientists.”

See all of this year's Chancellor's Fellows here.