Dr. Alexandre Chan, Founding Chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, was selected as the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty recipient of the 2024 Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Fostering of Undergraduate Research!
Presented by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), this award recognizes faculty members throughout UCI who have exhibited a commitment to encouraging and supporting undergraduate student researchers. Recipients of the award are nominated by their students.
“Dr. Chan is deserving of this award because he creates an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone in his research team,” said Mary Chalezz Angeline Dagsi, undergraduate researcher in the Chan Lab. “He has taught me skills that I will carry with me through higher education. Initially, I was intimidated by research, but I learned to be confident in my ability to explore research opportunities. I saw how impactful our work is to the community and cancer patients. Dr. Chan is an amazing mentor and role model for us!”
The focus of the Chan Lab is to improve care for cancer patients and survivors through the observation of treatment and outcomes and the study of novel therapies, toxicities, and the cost-effective usage of medication. Undergraduate researchers have the opportunity to contribute to Dr. Chan’s mission and learn essential research skills in the process.
“As an undergraduate student with no prior experience in research, I initially viewed clinical research as a very daunting field. However, my perspective shifted dramatically when I met Dr. Chan, who was always supportive and appreciative of my work and efforts in the lab,” undergraduate researcher Carolyn Nguyen shared. “Dr. Chan is an exceptional mentor who believes in his undergraduate students. He provides us with challenging and enriching projects and is always there for us to go to for help when we need it. My experience in his research group strengthened my decision to commit to UCI for pharmacy school, where I will also be continuing research under his mentorship.”
In addition to Dagsi and Nguyen, Daniella Chan and Reem Nasr are undergraduate researchers in the Chan Lab. Nguyen and Nasr will be pursuing their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees as part of the Class of 2028 cohort starting this fall.
The award was presented at the UCI Undergraduate Research Symposium Awards Ceremony on May 17. Held annually and open to the public, the UCI Undergraduate Research Symposium is a time to highlight the achievements of undergraduate researchers and the faculty members who foster their development.
“I am really thrilled to receive this honor, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the undergraduate researchers in my lab who have nominated me for this award,” Dr. Chan stated. “I am very proud of them and truly respect their dedication and effort to conduct research despite their busy schedules. They are always very helpful, and they have contributed tremendously to my research program. I look forward to continuing to work with them.”
