Dear Colleagues,
I am thrilled to announce and celebrate four outstanding individuals who have been honored with Lauds & Laurels awards. These individuals have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also demonstrated exceptional dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Dr. Tamera Hatfield, PhD, an alumna of our school, has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni award. Dr. Hatfield’s academic journey at the School of Biological Sciences and the UCI School of Medicine has culminated in her becoming a board-certified, fellowship-trained UCI Health obstetrician.
Andrea Wasserman, the Chief Administrative Officer of the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, has been bestowed with the Outstanding Staff Achievement award. Her pivotal role in facilitating groundbreaking research on aging and dementia underscores her invaluable contributions to the advancement of science and healthcare.
Dr. Zainab Saadi, an alumna of the School of Biological Sciences, has received the Distinguished Young Alumnus award. Dr. Saadi’s remarkable journey has led her to become a board-certified UCI Health internist and primary care physician, specializing in comprehensive medical care.
And in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments, Steven Gong has earned the Outstanding Undergraduate Student award. Steven’s academic prowess shines through as a triple major in political science, economics and human biology. His achievements include founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to health reform advocacy and community health coverage, interning at the White House and receiving finalist honors for both the Marshall and Rhodes scholarships.
These extraordinary individuals embody the spirit of excellence that our school strives to instill in each of our students and alumni. Their unwavering dedication to bettering the community and the world around them serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all.
Please join me in offering our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Hatfield, Andrea Wasserman, Dr. Saadi and Steven Gong on their well-deserved honors. Their accomplishments have not only enriched our school’s legacy but have also set the bar remarkably high for future generations of scholars and leaders.
Sincerely,
Frank LaFerla, PhD
Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng Dean
Distinguished Professor
You can learn more about Lauds & Laurels and other recipients here.
