Elva Diaz and Aldrin Gomes, both faculty in PREP@UCD, have been named to UC Davis' second cohort of Chancellor's Fellows for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion! Diaz and Gomes were recognized for their significant track record of abiding commitment to reducing opportunity gaps for students from historically marginalized groups.

In addition to her work mentoring undergraduates, grad students, and PREP scholars Lynda Flores-Graham and Hector Navarro, Diaz works behind-the-scenes to increase the number of students from diverse backgrounds who pursue careers in biomedical research. She also chairs the UC Davis Department of Pharmacology I-DARE (Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism and Equity) Task Force.

Gomes mentored PREP scholar Anna Andronicos and undergraduate-turned-PREP scholar-turned-GRFP Fellow-&-UC Davis grad student Celena Lozano in research. He serves as the PI for the UC Davis Maximizing Access to Research Careers program for undergraduates and the graduate student Initiative for Maximizing Student Development program. These programs support and train students from historically excluded communities to become part of the next generation of biomedical scientists.

We thank Professors Diaz and Gomes for their dedication and work to improve our discipline.