Associate Professor Siobhan Brady, of the Department of Plant Biology and the Genome Center, was among UC Davis faculty and staff honored at the recent annual Advisor Fall Welcome event. For her dedication to plant biology undergraduates, Brady received the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award from the Office of Undergraduate Education. 

“I am so honored,” said Brady. “Education means so much to me, and it is wonderful to hear that I have made a difference in helping some students on their educational path.”  

Joyce Fernandez, the assistant director of the Biology Academic Success Center, called Brady a “shining example of a scientist, mentor, teacher and faculty advisor.” Brady has been the master advisor for the Plant Biology undergraduate major for the last three years.

“I feel fortunate to work with the caliber of faculty UC Davis employs, particularly faculty like Dr. Brady,” said Fernandez. “She is excellent at providing on and off campus referrals; and overall, is a phenomenal agent for collaboration as well as change to ensure students are served and served well.” 

“Not only does Dr. Brady support students from an academic perspective, she is also supportive from a community building perspective,” she added. 

Building the plant biology community on campus  

Among Brady’s many accomplishments and duties, she was integral to the formation of the Plant Biology Club at UC Davis. According to Hannah Vahldick, ‘17 B.S. in Plant Biology, Brady strived to create a space where plant biology students could gather together, mingle and learn about the various professional paths open to them, whether it be in academia or industry.

“I am continually in awe of Dr. Brady, particularly for the energy and enthusiasm that she persistently delivers both in her lab and in the classroom environment,” said Vahldick. “Not only is Dr. Brady an exceptional mentor herself, she is also a shaper of wonderful mentors.” 

Such a “pay it forward” mentality is only beneficial for science and research, according to Brady. 

“We get to where we are because of those who have advised us,” she said. “I am who I am because of those who have mentored me and taught me. I can’t wait for those whom I have mentored to do the same.”