Desai wins Chancellor Award for Advancement of Women

Tejal Desai, PhD, received the 2021 Chancellor’s Award for Advancement of Women this fall for demonstrating “outstanding commitment and service to the advancement of women beyond the scope of their job, area of research, or training.”

Desai is a faculty member in the UCSF Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (BTS), a joint department in the UCSF Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, as well as the director of Health Innovation via Engineering (HIVE). She recently stepped down as chair of BTS after seven years of leading the department.

The Chancellor Awards for Diversity, given annually, “recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals who demonstrate a strong dedication to diversity. The individuals recognized are leaders and pioneers in their respective fields and in the communities they serve. The 2021 awards also highlight those whose contributions are aligned with the UCSF Anti-racism Initiative.”

“Tejal has always been a strong supporter of women scientists at all levels. As chair of our department, she consistently advocated for the increased promotion of women to leadership positions within the basic sciences, and was a highly sought after mentor by young women scientists for her sage advice and recognition of each trainee’s unique identity,” said Deanna Kroetz, PhD, chair of BTS. “During the pandemic, she raised the administration’s awareness of demands on women faculty due to increased caregiving responsibilities, efforts that ensured that women would not be penalized in the workplace for disruptions in their personal lives.”

Desai and the other recipients of the Chancellor Awards for Diversity will be honored during a virtual celebration on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM Pacific.