The college is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 CBS Faculty Teaching and Research Awards. These two prestigious awards honor faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to teaching and research, and highlight the integral role each plays in advancing the frontiers of biological sciences. 

Outstanding teaching ensures that our students receive a comprehensive and inspiring education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future careers. Concurrently, groundbreaking research drives scientific discovery and innovation, addressing many of the most pressing challenges of our time. 

“Our faculty are a central source of pride and strength for our college. Their efforts to advance their respective fields of expertise, and to ensure outstanding educational opportunities for our students help UC Davis provide the world-class research and education our students and the public expect,” said Mark Winey, dean of the College of Biological Sciences. “Jeff and Marina are two outstanding faculty among many, and I am thrilled to see them receive this much-deserved recognition for their respective research and teaching efforts.”

With these awards, the college underscores its commitment to fostering an environment where educational excellence and research prowess go hand in hand, benefiting students, the scientific community, and society at large.

2024 CBS Faculty Research Award

Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra

Professor, Evolution and Ecology

Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra is an expert in plant evolutionary genetics. His research focuses on understanding the genetic basis of adaptation in maize and its wild relatives. Ross-Ibarra has made significant contributions to the field, including uncovering key genetic mechanisms that drive evolution and diversity in plant populations. By analyzing how maize has adapted to different environments, Ross-Ibarra and his collaborators hope to identify genes and alleles that could be harnessed to breed maize that will thrive in any number of future environments. His work not only advances our knowledge of plant genetics but also has practical implications for improving crop resilience and sustainability.  

Said Artyom Kopp, a professor and colleague of Ross-Ibarra’s in the Department of Evolution and Ecology, “In a widely-lauded Science paper last year, Jeff and his colleagues reconstructed the origin of maize cultivation. Their findings underscored the complex evolutionary history of the crop and the significant contributions of wild relatives to its genetic diversity and agricultural performance. Without a doubt, this paper is a key breakthrough in understanding the origin and evolution of one of the most important crops in human history.”

In recognition of the importance of his work on the evolutionary genetics of maize to both basic science and agriculture, Ross-Ibarra was awarded the National Academy of Science Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences in January of this year. 

2024 CBS Faculty Teaching Award

Marina Ellefson

Associate Professor of Teaching, Molecular and Cellular Biology

Marina Ellefson’s approach to teaching emphasizes active learning, critical thinking, and practical application of biological concepts, ensuring students are proficient in both theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment has inspired many of her students to pursue careers in the biological sciences. Recognized by peers and students alike, Ellefson is celebrated for her dynamic and student-centered teaching methods. She has received multiple awards for her innovative approach and dedication to student success.

Beyond the classroom, Ellefson actively mentors and supports students through research projects, co-directs the Future Undergraduate Science Educators (FUSE) program that provides graduate students training in evidence-based teaching, and is involved in various initiatives that promote and support transfer students in CBS. One student noted, “Dr. Ellefson is one of the most dedicated professors I’ve had at UC Davis. She brings so much passion to every lecture and truly makes the learning environment welcoming for all. She is very approachable and open to all sorts of discussions. Not only did she teach me course concepts, but also the value of kindness and patience.”

Kenneth Kaplan, professor and vice-chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, praised Ellefson’s ability to engage and motivate students, even during the pandemic, saying, “Marina’s consistent and impressive ability to engage and motivate her students to learn is unparalleled. Her dedication not only makes her an excellent teacher but also elevates the teaching quality of her colleagues.”

About the awards

Both recipients of this year’s faculty awards will have their names added to the award plaques outside the CBS Dean’s Office in 202 Green Hall and receive a prize of $500. The CBS Faculty Teaching and Research Awards are made possible with contributions by generous donors to the college's annual fund.