Three graduate student leaders of BE-STEM (Black Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) were presented with the 2023 Chancellor Award for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership at a ceremony at Mission Bay on October 24. UCSF's Chancellor Awards for Diversity recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals who demonstrate a strong dedication to diversity. Individuals recognized are leaders and pioneers in their respective fields and to the communities in which they serve.
Jaysón Davidson (PhD candidate in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics), Christina Stephens (PhD candidate in Biophysics), and Sydney Williams (PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics) are recognized this year for their exceptional work as leaders of BE-STEM to expand student outreach, community building and professional development through collaborative action.
Formed at UCSF in 2020, BE-STEM is a registered campus organization that exists to increase Black representation in STEM and to mentor the next generation of Black scientists. BE-STEM supports Black graduate students and postdocs at UCSF by creating a welcoming community, representing and advocating for the needs and interests of the community, promoting recruitment and retention, and supporting professional development.
See a video about the work Jaysón, Christina, and Sydney have done with BE-STEM, and learn about this year's other awardees, on the Chancellor Awards for Diversity webpage.
