On June 24th the School of Natural Sciences held its third Annual Staff Award event that recognized staff that demonstrate the highest levels of commitment and dedication to the School of Natural Sciences and the university. Two categories of awards were handed out, one to recognize individual staff contributions through the Individual STAR Award and one to recognize team/unit contributions through the Team STAR Award. Nominations were solicited from faculty, students, and other colleagues from across the campus.
Individual STAR Award recipients consistently demonstrate the highest levels of commitment and dedication to the School of Natural Sciences and university mission and values. Awardees have a positive and influential impact on their work environment, demonstrate motivation and flexibility in their approach to work, foster cooperation and collaboration with others, and go above and beyond to support faculty, staff, and students.
The TEAM Star Award recipients consistently demonstrate an inclusive environment the develops, empowers, engages, challenges, and motivates fellow peers and staff, resulting in greater productivity and effectiveness. The impact of their contributions attribute to the commitment and dedication to the School of Natural Sciences and the university.
This year there were seven (7) individuals awarded the Individual STAR Award, one (1) unit awarded the Team STAR Award, and two (2) units recognized as a Team Honorable Mention Award.
Shining STAR Award
Amy Moffat, Student and Program Assessment Manager
Individual STAR Awards
Chelsea Arnold, Program Director of CalTeach
Lolo Cardenas, Equipment and Inventory Manager
Megan Fordon, Travel Specialist
Amy Lou, Academic Advisor
Esmeralda Martinez, Senior Academic Personnel Specialist
Vanessa Sanchez, Reviewer Analyst
Team STAR Award
Graduate Student Programs
Paul Roberts, Director
Rita Guel, Programs Assistant
Brandi Lambert, Administrative Assistant
Joy Sanchez-Bell, Graduate Student Specialist
Amanda Sargent, Graduate Student Specialist
Team Honorable Mention
Life Sciences Instructional Lab
Jim Whalen, Life Sciences Instructional Lab Coordinator
Esther Buie, Biology/LES Scientific Research Associate
Hiram Dominguez, Biology/LES Lab Assistant Leah Young-Chung, Biology/LES Scientific Research Associate
Physical Sciences Instructional Lab
Donna Jaramillo-Fellin, Physical Sciences Instructional Lab Coordinator
Melissa Russell, Chemistry Lab Coordinator
Stefanie Stepp, Physics Lab Coordinator
Timothy Cao, Chemistry Lab Assistant
Olivia Hua, Chemistry Lab Assistant
More information about Staff Awards can be found under the Staff menu under Awards or by clicking here.
