Innovation with Impact: Celebrating UCSC’s 2024 Changemakers
The awardees of the 2024 Chancellor’s Innovation Impact Awards: (left to right) Nader Pourmand, Jacob Martinez, Andy Yeh, and Jason Eshraghian.(Photo by Nick Gonzales/UC Santa Cruz)
In a world increasingly defined by the intersection of innovation and impact, UC Santa Cruz's 2024 Chancellor’s Innovation Impact Awards stand as a testament to the university's commitment to transformative research and community engagement. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have not only advanced knowledge but have also applied it to effect meaningful change.
Innovator of the Year - Jason Eshraghian, an assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, received the Innovator of the Year award for his pioneering work in brain-inspired computing. His team developed a novel deep learning model that eliminates the energy-intensive matrix multiplication process, achieving comparable performance to traditional AI systems while consuming just 13 watts of power—equivalent to a household light bulb. This innovation has significant implications for sustainable AI development, with applications ranging from NASA satellite tracking to semiconductor optimization.
Translation of the Year - The Translation of the Year award was bestowed upon Assistant Professor Andy Yeh for his development of multiplex de novo luciferase technology. This groundbreaking work involves artificial proteins that emit light without external stimulation, offering a powerful tool for large-scale drug discovery and fundamental biological research.
Community Changemaker - Jacob Martinez, founder of Digital NEST, was honored as the Community Changemaker for his efforts in empowering youth in underserved communities through technology and workforce development programs. His work exemplifies the university's dedication to fostering inclusive innovation that benefits the broader community.
Lifetime Achievement in Innovation - The Lifetime Achievement in Innovation award recognized Professor Nader Pourmand for his extensive contributions to biosensor technology and personalized medicine. His research has paved the way for advancements in disease detection and individualized treatment strategies.
Turning Research Into Real Impact
These awards are more than accolades; they are narratives of how academic inquiry can transcend the confines of the laboratory to address real-world challenges. They underscore the university's role as a catalyst for societal progress, where the pursuit of knowledge is intrinsically linked to the betterment of humanity.
We encourage our community to delve deeper into these inspiring stories by visiting the official announcement page and watching the accompanying videos that highlight each awardee's journey and impact. These narratives not only celebrate individual achievements but also serve as a collective call to action for continued innovation and engagement.
Reflecting on past honorees, it's worth noting that in 2023, Santa Cruz Works was recognized with the UC Santa Cruz Community Changemaker award for transformative impact. This acknowledgment highlights the organization's role in fostering a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation within the Santa Cruz region.
As we celebrate these milestones, let us be inspired to contribute to a future where innovation is not just a pursuit of knowledge but a commitment to making a tangible difference in the world.