Prestigious Honors

UC Santa Cruz faculty, staff, and students drive pioneering research, service, and scholarship, earning top honors. These awards reflect their commitment to bold ideas, social and environmental justice, and transformative innovation.

2024 fellows: American Association for the Advancement of Science

David Deamer, emeritus professor of biomolecular engineering

David Deamer, emeritus professor of biomolecular engineering

Portrait of Ted Holman on Science Hill.

Theodore “Ted” Holman, professor of chemistry and biochemistry

Portrait of Raphe Kudela outside at the Coastal Campus

Raphael “Raphe” Kudela, distinguished professor of ocean sciences


Recently elected members: American Academy of Arts and Sciences 

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Anthropology Donald L. Brenneis

Donald L. Brenneis, distinguished professor emeritus of anthropology

Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Jack Baskin Chair of Computer Engineering Lise Getoor

Lise Getoor, distinguished professor of computer science and Jack Baskin Chair of Computer Engineering

Professor Emerita of Literature and Creative Writing Karen Tei Yamashita

Karen Tei Yamashita, professor emerita of literature and creative Writing

Professor Emerita of Latin American and Latino Studies Patricia Zavella

Patricia Zavella, professor emerita of Latin American and Latino studies


Recently elected members: National Academy of Sciences  

Beth Shapiro, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology

Beth Shapiro, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology

Distinguished Professor Emerita Diane Gifford-Gonzalez. (Nick Gonzales/UC Santa Cruz)

Diane Gifford-Gonzalez, distinguished research professor emerita of anthropology

Emily Brodsky, professor of Earth and planetary sciences

Emily Brodsky, professor of Earth and planetary sciences


Pulitzer Prize recipients

Eleven UC Santa Cruz alumni have won a total of 13 Pulitzer Prizes. Their writing has given voice to victims and changemakers alike, covered corruption and disease, and told tales of the sea with creativity and purpose.

Endowed chairs

Endowed chairs, funded by donors, support distinguished scholars in teaching, research, and service. This prestigious honor helps attract top faculty and academic talent.

Last modified: May 28, 2025