More Than 20 Staff Members Recognized for Contributions During First Half of 2025

The UCSF School of Pharmacy recognized 14 staff members with SPOT Awards and nine more with Achievement Awards for their exceptional contributions between January and July 2025.

Part of  UCSF’s STAR Program, SPOT Awards honor significant employee achievements and contributions for a specific project or task over a short period of time. Achievements Awards recognize sustained, exceptional performance or significant contributions over at least six months. Both categories include a monetary award for the employee.

Read about the awardees for the first half of 2025 and the accolades they received in their nominations.

SPOT Awards

• Serena Huntington, California Poison Control System: Huntington gracefully and competently managed a number of difficult staffing and service situations, while also serving on committees of the National Poison Center Association.
• Sahru Keiser, Dean’s Office: Keiser organized the Full Circle of Native and Indigeous Scientists in Quantitative Biology symposium with high attention to detail and dedication that ensured the event was seamless.
• Kelly Kwan, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Kwan stepped in to assist with a T32 postdoctoral grant application, working tirelessly to ensure it was submitted on time, helping to complete tables and administrative documents, and reaching out to collaborating faculty. 
• Wan-Yu Lai, Dean’s Office: Lai consistently goes above and beyond her regular duties, demonstrating initiative and commitment.
• Alyssa Lam, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Lam volunteered to take the lead on standardizing the department's visitor scheduling process to make it more streamlined and efficient.
• Karen Lau, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Lau reinforces a culture of mutual support and solidarity within the team, which enhances the department's operational efficiency and inspires collaboration, dedication, and kindness.
• Kristina Leung, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Leung assisted with a T32 postdoctoral grant application, ensuring the grant was submitted on time, helping to complete tables and administrative documents, and contacting collaborating faculty. 
• Rachel Lynch, Dean’s Office: Lynch stepped in and provided team coverage for the Integrated Core Team, helping to divide and coordinate tasks among staff members during a challenging time for the unit.
• Yvonne Munchua, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Munchua’s attention to detail, organizational skills, and dedication have been instrumental in achieving departmental goals.
• Crystal Ngai, Dean’s Office: As the school’s primary MyTime change agent, Ngai ensured a smooth, efficient transition for employees, and kept everyone informed throughout.
• Kiyomi Noguchi, Dean’s Office: Noguchi stepped up to support critical activities/events including Commencement, scholarship reviews, and preparation for the Subcommittee on Student Progress — all while maintaining excellent service and collaboration within the Student Affairs team and other education unit teams.
• Ali Sasan, Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI): Sasan provided support to QBI and the school with their innovation and process improvement suggestions and initiatives.
• Victoria Starett, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences: Starett assisted with a T32 postdoctoral grant application, ensuring the grant was submitted on time, helping to complete tables and administrative documents, and reaching out to collaborating faculty.
• Kevin Wong, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Wong’s commitment to excellence and accountability was demonstrated in his meticulous review and reconciliation of a grant in which Wong corrected discrepancies and ensured financial data was accurate and aligned with the grant's requirements.

Achievement Awards for Individuals

• Michael Douglas, Department of Clinical Pharmacy: Douglas’s ability to proactively identify potential issues and preemptively address them has greatly contributed to the efficiency and success of the team.
• Joel Gonzales, Dean’s Office: Gonzales exemplifies integrity, professionalism, and leadership; is recognized as a subject matter expert in admissions and recruitment; and plays a pivotal role in shaping strategy and practice within the school and at the national level.
• Robyn Kurland, Dean’s Office: Kurland’s leadership skills during a critical staffing gap has ensured the continuity of services and a smooth transition for new leadership, and her work on innovative programs has enhanced student development and well-being.
• Sarika Parekh, QBI: Parekh’s proactive approach and commitment to excellence has improved QBI’s financial tracking capabilities, streamlining financial reporting and improving compliance processes.

Achievement Awards for Teams

• James Joves, Shalimar Xayavong, La’Trece Cain (Finance Unit, Dean’s Office): The finance unit demonstrates visionary thinking, strategic leadership, and a relentless drive for improvement in management of the school’s overall operating funds and of the consolidated budget.
• Erika Campbell, Angelie Khu (Human Resources Unit, Dean’s Office): Cambell and Khu exhibit exceptional leadership and execution in implementing the HR consolidation model within the school, and have worked to enhance the efficiency, consistency, and quality of HR services across departments.