College Awards

Each spring, the College of Biological Sciences celebrates graduating students whose achievements exemplify the spirit of discovery, leadership, and service that define UC Davis. At the college’s annual undergraduate awards ceremony, students are recognized for exceptional accomplishments in research, academics, mentorship, and community engagement.

The College of Biological Sciences is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025-26 CBS Faculty Research and Teaching Awards. These annual honors recognize faculty members whose contributions exemplify the college's commitment to advancing discovery and providing outstanding educational experiences for students.

Iris Juanico was drawn to science by her innate curiosity. 

“I never stop asking questions,” said Juanico, with a laugh. “I was drawn to science as a child because it involves asking a lot of questions.” 

Each year, the college presents teaching, research and Principles of Community awards to recognize exceptional contributions by CBS faculty and staff.

The teaching and research awards, given to faculty, recognize impact by faculty in the classroom, the laboratory, and within their disciplines. This year, two faculty members received the teaching award, and one received the research award.

Each year, the CBS Dean’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) supports students who wish to stay on campus—and in the lab—over the summer term.

Normally, undergraduates leave campus for the summer if they are not enrolled in classes. They often do this to work and save funds for the start of the next academic year. SURP consists of several different donor-funded undergraduate research awards and allows students to continue their research projects over the summer.

Claire Murphy, a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Population Biology Graduate Group, wants everyone to feel like they belong in research. Based at the Bodega Marine Laboratory (BML), Murphy studies how tiny seagrass crustaceans avoid being eaten by fish, crabs, and other predators. Since coming to UC Davis in 2020, she’s mentored 11 UC Davis undergraduates, including five independent summer research projects.

Each year, the College of Biological Sciences honors its top undergraduates at a special awards ceremony attended by friends, family, mentors, and donors. The 2025 recipients were recognized for their academic excellence, commitment to building community, service to campus and peers, and exceptional achievements in research.

Each year, the Dean’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) helps provide vital support to students wishing to stay on campus —and in the lab — over the summer term. 

The college is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 CBS Faculty Teaching and Research Awards. These two prestigious awards honor faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to teaching and research, and highlight the integral role each plays in advancing the frontiers of biological sciences. 

Each year the college recognizes the importance of mentorship in the continued growth of both the undergraduate and graduate communities by awarding CBS Dean’s Mentorship Awards to graduate students. Funded by contributions to the CBS Dean’s Circle, the awards are open by faculty nomination to graduate students who have played a significant role in the growth and development of the younger generation of scientists.