Student Researcher under Irene Chen Receives University's Highest Honor

This year's Thomas More Storke Award was presented to Daniel Chu, an undergraduate student receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the College of Creative Studies. Chu conducted graduate-level research under Irene Chen, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, which involved "characterizing phage diversity in microbial infections in order to understand their role in the disease course of chronic infections." Additionally, Chu is an active volunteer in the community; he founded a local organization to help underserved populations learn how to access healthcare, and volunteered with the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics and Casa Esperanza homeless center. Chu will graduate with a 3.94 grade point average. 

The Thomas More Storke Award is awarded every year to one graduating senior who has demonstrated "outstanding scholarship, and extraordinary service to the university, its students, and the community." It is considered the university's highest honor bestowed upon undergraduate students. 

Congratulations, Daniel!