Díaz and Wu Recognized with Awards for Public Service

Roberto Efraín Díaz, a PhD candidate in the Tetrad program, and Taia Sean Wu, a PhD candidate in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology program, are being recognized this year for their public service as part of the 2022 Founders Day Awards. They and other award recipients were honored at a ceremony held at Mission Bay on May 13.

Given annually, the Founders Day awards celebrate learners, trainees, staff, and faculty who have committed themselves to UCSF's public mission, innovative research, and patient-centered care.

Roberto Efraín Díaz
Roberto Efraín Díaz, a PhD student in the Tetrad program.

 

"The way that I show up to science and research is thinking not just about what I do in the lab, but what does that mean beyond?"

Roberto Efraín Díaz received the Edison T. Uno Public Service Award. See Robbie discuss his commitment to increasing representation in science, and his role in developing the Diversity Network Initiative to support learners who experience marginalization.

Taia Wu
Taia Sean Wu, a PhD student in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology program.

 

"Public service can be an act of joy."

Taia Wu received the Chancellor Award for Public Service (Student Category). See Taia talk about her work as a tutor with local nonprofit A Home Away from Homelessness, and her efforts to build bridges between graduate students and youth in San Francisco in order to help create a more diverse and inclusive future for science.

Taia Wu, D'Anne Duncan, and Robbie Diaz smile for a photo under pine tree. Taia and Robbie hold their framed awards
Taia Wu (left) and Robbie Díaz (right) share a moment with Dr. D'Anne Duncan, assistant dean for diversity and learner success, at the Founders Day ceremony on May 13. (Photo by PhD student Steven Cincotta)

Dr. D'Anne Duncan, the Graduate Division's assistant dean for diversity and learner success, attended the award ceremony and remarked, "I wish to congratulate both Robbie and Taia for their creative, thoughtful, and selfless efforts to enhance all individuals' access to science and research."

Learn more about all of this year's honorees on the Founders Day awards page.