The Diane Harris Leadership Award honors one of our graduating Biochemistry and Biophysics students that has shown exemplary leadership in the department (broadly defined, including leadership in research, education and/or public service) during the year. This award was created in 2008 in recognition of Diane Harris. Diane was the Student Service Manager in the Biochemistry & Biophysics Department for 30 + years, a position she held with great dedication and loyalty.
Benjamin Roberts in Saskia Neher’s lab is selected for the 2021 award. Ben was a member of the Graduate and Professional Student Federation and served as the Biochemistry and Biophysics department senator. As the Federation secretary, Ben initiated and implemented a podcast about graduate students across campus called “I Study This.” Benjamin also started the annual Graduate Research and Policy Expo (GRaPE), now run by the Science Policy Advocacy Group and the Graduate and Professional Student Federation. As an active member of the Science Policy Advocacy Group, Benjamin held a vice president and president position and represented UNC at Hill Days in Washington, DC.
Ben Roberts received his PhD on April 2, 2021.
Congratulations to Ben for this achievement. We are grateful for his contributions to the department and UNC Chapel Hill community.