The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics gathered on December 12, 2023, to celebrate our accomplishments over this past year. We had a large turnout of around 160 individuals, including guests and children for this fantastic event culminating in 2023.
The evening began with a sit-down formal dinner and meet and greet in a gorgeous Carolina Inn located on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus.
Our departmental chair, Dr. Jean Cook gave a welcome message. She presented the department excellence awards with our distinguished faculty member and Nobel Laureate, Aziz Sancar, M.D., Ph.D. Four awards in all were presented to department members.
Awards ceremony
2023 Excellence Awards
The awards ceremony began with the presentation of the 2023 Staff Excellence Awards for dedication, service, and commitment to the department. The Department’s Staff Recognition Program was established to annually recognize staff members for their outstanding achievement and service. Nominations are made with the following criteria in mind: teamwork, creativity and innovation, positive attitude, enthusiasm, productivity, flexibility, and leadership. Followed by our newly established Postdoc Award, then wrapping up with our Graduate Student Award.
Administrative Staff – Jesse Arp, Post-awards Administrator
- “He has a positive attitude and flexibility and he is good at teamwork. He has many years of dedication and service to the department and has always been very helpful with any issues we bring to his attention. In addition to his accounting duties, he efficiently facilitates our department’s maintenance requests and takes care of any problems we bring to him.”
Research staff – Xuemei Cao, PhD, Research Associate
- She has served the Sancar lab for many years with dedication and good humor. In addition to successfully maintaining her own projects in the lab, she has always supported with great enthusiasm and positive attitude to the postdocs and students with their projects. Xuemei is always very helpful with any issues that arise, has a positive attitude, shows flexibility, and is a team player.
Postdoc Excellence Award – Kathryn Gunn, PhD, Research Associate
- Kathryn is a leader in the lab as well as in the department. Not only is she an excellent scientist, she is also a great asset to the community. Until recently she led the postdoc committee and also served on GECO. Kathryn is leaving soon to start her own lab (and demonstrate to other institutions that UNC trains great scientists).”
Dianne Harris Graduate Student Award – Amelia McCue, PhD Candidate
- “She always has great ideas for how to bring the department together and how to plan events that make everyone feel loved, included, and part of a welcoming community. I think kindness is one of the most important attributes of a great leader. She was always ready to engage in conversation. She is hardworking, honest, and curious, and she is never afraid to ask questions and continue learning. She is a go-to for most people in this department.”
Congratulations to all of our awardees!
A complete set of event photos are saved on our departmental shared drive. Contact Latasha Mingo for access.