J. Sebastian Gomez-Diaz Receives 2023 Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award
Award celebrates faculty who provide outstanding service in advising and mentoring at the graduate program level
Professor J. Sebastian Gomez-Diaz has received a Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award from UC Davis Graduate Studies. The award recognizes his outstanding mentorship and dedication to improving the experience of master's students in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Program.
Graduate students and post-doctoral candidates lauded Gomez-Diaz as a passionate mentor who fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment, empowering them to ask questions and engage in thoughtful discussions. Many pointed out that he carefully listened to their unique needs and aspirations and was equally invested in their personal and professional development.
He innovated an annual workshop for the program to help master's students understand degree requirements and select coursework. In addition, he developed a yearly poster session that offers master's students the chance to improve their presentation skills and enables future collaborations and job opportunities.
"Gomez-Diaz is truly deserving of this recognition, and our graduate program and UC Davis are lucky to have mentors of [his] caliber," said Lifeng Lai, graduate program chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Previously, Gomez-Diaz received the Chancellor’s Fellow honor for his positive impact on UC Davis’ research, teaching and public service missions.