The UCSF School of Pharmacy recognized 15 staff members with SPOT Awards for their outstanding work during the first half of 2026, and one individual and one team for Achievement Awards for continuous excellence.
 
Part of the university’s STAR Award Program, the SPOT Awards honor significant achievements and contributions for a specific project or task over a short period of time, while Achievement Awards recognize sustained, exceptional performance or significant contributions over at least six months. Both categories include a monetary award.

SPOT Awards

• Christina Chen, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences: Chen was recognized for her exceptional teamwork in managing complex, cross-departmental financial operations supporting large multi-department research grants.
• Lisa Duca, Department of Clinical Pharmacy: By taking on expanded administrative and operational responsibilities, including leading ADA website compliance efforts, organizing a research retreat, and supporting additional faculty, Duca helped ensure continuity of operations and strengthened her department during a critical time.
• Alyssa Lam, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Through outstanding coordination of lab operations, support for students and staff, and willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of others, Lam helped foster a collaborative, welcoming, and highly effective research environment.
• Maggie Lam, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences: Lam has been honored for her teamwork in managing complex, cross-departmental financial operations and in helping to strengthen grant management, enhance transparency and compliance, and ensure the success of critical research initiatives.
• Karen Lau, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Through her development of comprehensive salary projections and reliable financial analyses, Lau provided critical support for budget planning, grant development, and responsible fiscal management.
• Kristina Leung, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: By coordinating thesis committee meetings, tracking student progress toward graduation, and creating efficient processes that support students and faculty, Leung helped BioE students achieve their academic goals and thrive.
• Peter Lu, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences: Lu’s expertise, responsiveness, and commitment to service helped faculty and staff successfully navigate complex purchasing and financial processes while maintaining operational excellence.
• Rachel Lynch, Dean’s Office: By leading key initiatives such as the Canvas migration and One45 integration, Lynch streamlined workflows, improved staff training and quality assurance processes, and enhanced operational efficiency across the school.
• Laura Moy, Dean’s Office: Through coordinating student clinical placements, improving onboarding and compliance processes, supporting new technology implementations, and enhancing operational efficiency, Moy made an impact on student success and program excellence.
• Yvonne Munchua, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Munchua has been recognized for her professionalism and commitment to supporting her laboratory team such as by proactively managing critical administrative and operational needs and taking on additional lab management responsibilities during a staffing vacancy.
• Kiyomi Noguchi, Dean’s Office: Through her willingness to take on more responsibilities, strengthen office operations, support advising services, and foster collaboration across departments, Noguchi has helped create a more efficient, welcoming, and supportive environment for colleagues and students alike.
• Joslyn Polzien, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences: Through collaboration, innovative process improvements, and outstanding financial stewardship, Polzien strengthened grant management, enhanced transparency and compliance, and helped ensure the success of critical research initiatives across UCSF.
• Jon Rey, Dean’s Office: Rey’s efforts to strengthen partnerships, support student development, and lead key programs have enhanced the Office of Student Affairs experience for students, faculty, and staff.
• Jimmy Sit, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences: Sit has been recognized for his exceptional teamwork in managing complex, cross-departmental financial operations supporting large multi-department research grants.
• Tara Wong, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Wong’s leveraged her expertise in financial planning, cross-institutional budgeting, and research administration to help develop competitive proposals and secure two highly competitive National Science Foundation grants totaling about $20 million.

• Emma Gunderson, Department of Clinical Pharmacy: Gunderson received an individual Achievement Award in recognition of the key role she played in improving financial processes, supporting complex multi-investigator research programs, expanding funding opportunities, fostering cross-department partnerships, and driving innovative research initiatives.
• Sahru Keiser, Wan-Yu Lai, and Alyscia Richards, Dean’s Office: The Operations Team earned a group Achievement Award in recognition of their successful organization of high-profile Dean’s events, from early preparation to seamless execution and follow-through. They have strengthened operational efficiency and fostered a supportive, service-driven culture.