AAFSA Aggie Acknowledgements: Summer 2025

The IDEA presents the 2025 Summer AAFSA Aggie Acknowledgements, a space to share the outstanding accomplishments of our faculty and staff. We are thrilled to recognize this talented group of people who endlessly inspire and consistently improve our communities. Congratulations to all!

Dr. Faheemah Mustafaah, School of Education

Dr. Faheemah Mustafaah, Assistant Professor at the UC Davis School of Education, presented her research at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) annual conference and co-authored a paper with Dr. Ebony Lewis. Their work examines student and staff well-being, offering insights that support equity-driven practices in educational institutions.

Dr. Ebony E. Lewis, Inclusive Excellence

Dr. Ebony E. Lewis presented at the annual AERA conference and co-authored a paper with Dr. Faheemah Mustafaah of the UC Davis School of Education, focusing on student and staff well-being. Their work contributes to advancing equity-driven practices in education.

Dr. Darnel Degand, School of Education

We proudly celebrate Dr. Darnel Degand on his promotion to associate professor, effective July 1, 2025! His leadership, research, and commitment to students embody the spirit of UC Davis excellence. Congratulations, Dr. Degand, this achievement is well deserved!

Charlotte Barbee, Offices of the Chancellor and Provost

Congratulations to Charlotte Barbee on completing her Master of Business Administration. Growing up in the inner city of Los Angeles, where higher education was rarely encouraged, Charlotte pushed past barriers to embrace learning and success. Her achievement is a powerful reminder that where you start does not define where you can go.

Dr. Ekene Akibike, Family and Community Medicine

We celebrate Dr. Ekene Akibike, who graduated from residency at UC Davis School of Medicine in Family and Community Medicine June 2025, and has been accepted into a fellowship at the University of Michigan focusing on geriatric care. Dr. Akibike’s dedication to serving older populations with cultural competence reflects the highest values of inclusive and compassionate medicine. Congratulations on this exciting next step!

Leslie Charlton, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Leslie Charlton is recognized for her outstanding leadership within Undergraduate Academic Programs. She empowers her team with skill and care, while advocating for equity at both systemic and individual levels. Leslie’s commitment to student success, her openness to direct advising, and her ability to advance the mission of her department with humility and strength make her an exemplary leader.

Marcella Grant, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and C-STEM Center

Since the launch of the NSF-funded Ujima GIRL project in 2022, Marcella Grant has been a driving force in building partnerships across 10 school districts from Northern to Southern California. Her tireless work has opened doors for more than 400 Black girls and college women to access culturally relevant STEM camps. Ujima would not exist without her vision, perseverance, dedication, and effort.

Krystal Scruggs, Physics and Astronomy

Congratulations to Krystal Scruggs on her admission to the UC Davis Graduate School of Management for Fall 2024. Awarded both the UC Davis Sacramento MBA Scholarship and the Richard and Joy Dorf Fellowship, Krystal has also been elected Vice President of Internal Affairs for the 2025–26 GSM Student Association Sacramento and serves as a GSM Ambassador. Her story was recently featured in the GSM Blog and social media.

Dr. Alexis Patterson Williams, School of Education

We celebrate Associate Professor Dr. Alexis Patterson Williams, who has been named a UC Davis 2024–25 Chancellor’s Fellow. One of only 10 faculty members recognized this year, Dr. Patterson Williams has demonstrated outstanding excellence in research, teaching, and service. This honor comes with a five-year title and $25,000 in unrestricted research support.

Dr. Crystal Rogers, School of Veterinary Medicine

Congratulations Dr. Crystal Rogers, Associate Professor of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology, on being named a UC Davis 2024–25 Chancellor’s Fellow. A developmental biologist whose work on neural crest cells enhances our understanding of craniofacial development and birth defects, Dr. Rogers is a leader in the field. As Professor Emeritus George Lanford of Syracuse University notes, “She is one of the shining lights of cell, molecular and developmental biology.”

Kimberly Evans, Student Affairs

Kimberly Evans has been honored with the 2025 UC Davis Staff Assembly Citations of Excellence Service Award. Through nine staff committees, advocacy for Employee Resource Groups, and efforts to welcome every new Student Housing and Dining Services employee, Kimberly has transformed her commitment to “do more” into lasting institutional change. Her leadership uplifts voices, builds community, and opens new opportunities across UC Davis.

Dr. Theanne Griffith, School of Medicine

Assistant Professor and children’s book author Dr. Theanne Griffith has been recognized by the Society of Neuroscience with a national educator award for her efforts to inspire the next generation. Her commitment to scientific excellence and community engagement continues to make an impact both inside and outside the lab. 

Mahiri Comeaux, Nonprofit & Higher Education Leadership

Congratulations to Mahiri Comeaux, named one of The Sacramento Observer’s 2025 “30 Under 30” honorees. As Founder & Executive Director of the nonprofit, "I Doubt My Vision," and Executive Social Media Specialist to UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May, Mahiri exemplifies authentic, bold, and compassionate leadership. This honor recognizes his commitment to serving youth, shaping institutional voice, and leading with integrity, equity, and love.

Paige Dumas, Cancer Center Clinic

We want to celebrate Paige Dumas, a staff member of our UC Davis Cancer Center Clinic, as she embarks on her training to become a birthing doula. We are excited to see her expand her skills to help others in their most vulnerable times, providing support during labor, delivery and the postpartum period. Paige's compassionate spirit will ease the stress and apprehension for birthing people to deliver healthy children into this world. Congratulations, Paige, and thank you for your hard work and dedication!