Six new faculty awarded as CAMPOS Faculty Scholars were recognized at the CAMPOS Welcome Reception on November 13, 2014, sponsored by UC Davis ADVANCE and hosted by Chancellor Linda PB Katehi and Provost Ralph Hexter. The CAMPOS Faculty Scholars were also recognized by the Offices of Senator Lois Wolk, Assembleymember Mariko Yamada, and Consul General of Mexico Carlos González Gutiérrez. 

CAMPOS Faculty Scholars are exceptional scientists in a STEM discipline. They are selected for their transformative thinking, unique perspectives, interdisciplinary approaches, and leadership potential to impact their STEM discipline in profound and enduring ways. Their discoveries, innovations, and technological breakthroughs will contribute to the public good, locally, nationally, and globally. A CAMPOS Faculty Scholar is a role model for future scientists and scholars who share their vision of diversity and inclusion, as key components of the Academy in the 21st Century. 

1. Jacqueline Barlow
   Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Dr. Barlow is a biologist who studies the etiology of DNA damage and mechanisms for its repair.
    
2. Magdalena Cerda 
   Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Violence Prevention Research Program. Dr. Cerda is a social epidemiologist who addresses the social and structural determinants of health, including such important problems as violence, substance abuse, and mental illness. 
    
3. Lillian Cruz-Orengo
   Assistant Professor of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology. Dr. Cruz-Orengo studies rodent models of neurological disorders, including trauma, chronic pain, and inflammatory-induced neurodegeneration.
    
4. Anna La Torre Vila
   Assistant Professor of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy. Dr. La Torre Vila combines molecular and cellular biology, stem cells, and mouse studies to study neuronal development.
    
5. Cindy Rubio Gonzalez
   Assistant Professor of Computer Science. Dr. Rubio Gonzalez is a software engineer who focuses on developing and applying program-analysis techniques to make software more reliable.
    
6. Mariel Vazquez
   Professor of Mathematics and Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Dr. Vazquez is a mathematical biologist with a specialization in the applications of topology to the study of DNA.

Remarks from CAMPOS Faculty Scholars

“Gladly, I attended the Welcome Reception looking at the opportunity of meeting the other Scholars that, like myself, were about to be acknowledged by Chancellor Linda Katehi, and the CAMPOS and ADVANCE leadership. However, I was incredibly surprised, and still amazes me today, that we were honored by the California State Senate and State Legislature as well. I was very impressed with the remarks of Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, and very moved by the affectionate words of Dr. Diana Albarrán Chicas in addition of having the chance of meeting her personally. A very memorable day in my life.” Lillian Cruz-Orengo, Assistant Professor of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology. 

“To become a research scientist is a demanding competitive path. It requires perseverance, luck… and a great deal of guidance along the way. This is often not an easy route, especially for women from diverse backgrounds. I am very proud to be part of a community in which diversity is perceived as a strength and not as a problem. The CAMPOS Welcome Reception was a loud and clear declaration of these principles and I am deeply honored to be part of this program.” Ana La Torre Vila, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy.