ACBS Faculty and Staff Honored with University and College Awards

The School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences (ACBS) is proud to celebrate five faculty and staff members whose outstanding contributions to teaching, mentorship, research, student success, and public service have been recognized through prestigious University of Arizona and College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (CALES) awards.

Together, these honorees exemplify ACBS’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and extension. Their work impacts students, colleagues, industry partners, communities, and stakeholders throughout Arizona and beyond.

Emma Grigg – Bart Cardon Early Career Faculty Teaching Award
Emma Grigg, Assistant Professor of Practice, has been selected to receive the Bart Cardon Early Career Faculty Teaching Award, which recognizes outstanding teaching, student engagement, and innovation in the classroom.

Since joining the University of Arizona, Grigg has distinguished herself through a student-centered approach that combines evidence-based teaching practices with real-world applications in animal behavior and welfare. Her courses emphasize active learning, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences that help students connect classroom concepts to professional practice.

In her redesigned ACBS 311 course, students complete scaffolded “mini-research projects” in which they develop and investigate their own animal behavior research questions. She also incorporates creative assessments such as infographics, stories, games, and videos that allow students to communicate scientific concepts in meaningful ways.

A strong advocate for inclusive and accessible education, Grigg designs her courses using Universal Design for Learning principles and supports students through mentorship, career advising, and undergraduate research opportunities. She has mentored more than 15 undergraduate researchers, many of whom have gone on to present at conferences or contribute to publications. Her innovative teaching and commitment to student success make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Liliana Salvador – Transformative Mentorship in Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity Award
Liliana Salvador, Assistant Professor, has been selected to receive the 2026 Transformative Mentorship in Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity Award. This university-wide award recognizes mentors whose guidance has a profound impact on undergraduate students through research and scholarly engagement. The award celebrates mentors who inspire students to cultivate curiosity, pursue new knowledge, and apply research to real-world challenges. Salvador creates opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research while developing the skills and confidence needed for future academic and professional success.

Through her mentorship, Salvador helps students see themselves as contributors to the scientific community while fostering an environment that encourages exploration, discovery, and growth. The award recognizes her lasting influence on undergraduate researchers and her commitment to developing the next generation of scientists and scholars.

Hung Mai – CALES Outstanding Staff in Research Award
Hung Mai, Research Scientist, has been selected to receive the 2026 CALES Outstanding Staff in Research Award. This honor recognizes a staff member who has made significant contributions to the research mission of the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences.

Mai serves as a research scientist in the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory, where his work focuses on shrimp health, disease diagnostics, immunology, and aquaculture biosecurity. Through his research, he addresses critical challenges facing the global aquaculture industry and contributes to improving animal health and sustainable food production.

His work on emerging shrimp diseases, pathogen detection methods, disease resistance, and biosecurity practices has advanced scientific understanding and supported aquaculture systems around the world. Mai’s technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication to research excellence have made him an invaluable contributor to ACBS research programs.

Christina Garcia – Shirley O’Brien CALES Community Award: Legacy Community Champion
Christina Garcia, Assistant Director of ACBS Academic Advising and Animal Science Academic Advisor, has been recognized with the Shirley O’Brien CALES Community Award: Legacy Community Champion. The award honors individuals whose sustained leadership strengthens the college community through inclusive excellence, mutual respect, professional growth, and a sense of belonging.

Garcia has played a transformative role in recruiting and retaining students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. Through data-informed decision-making, innovative retention strategies, and expanded recruitment pathways, she has helped create opportunities for success across ACBS and CALES.
Her impact extends beyond advising. Garcia has developed practices that have influenced not only ACBS but also the broader university community. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she creates environments where students and colleagues feel valued, supported, and empowered.

The award presentation recognized Garcia for shaping “people, possibilities, and purpose” across the college through her leadership, service, and commitment to community. Her work embodies the spirit of a true Legacy Community Champion.

Debbie Reed – University of Arizona Staff Award for Excellence
Debbie Reed, Program Coordinator Senior, has been recognized with the 2026 University of Arizona Staff Award for Excellence, one of the university’s highest honors for staff members whose work has a significant and lasting impact on the institution and its mission.

For nearly two decades, Reed has provided exceptional leadership, coordination, and support for Cooperative Extension programs, ACBS communications and outreach, and the Food Safety Consortium. She is widely recognized for her professionalism, organizational expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Among her many contributions, Reed has played a key role in tribal outreach programs supported by the Native American Agriculture Fund, coordinated educational initiatives serving Native communities, and helped organize training and preparedness efforts for the Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT). She has also contributed to statewide preparedness efforts related to the New World Screwworm threat through the development of surveillance kits, educational materials, and stakeholder outreach programs.

Colleagues consistently describe Reed as a trusted partner, problem solver, and consummate professional whose contributions often extend far beyond her formal responsibilities. Her innovative approach has strengthened statewide outreach efforts and helped transform the Food Safety Consortium’s annual conference into a successful hybrid event serving participants both in person and online.

Through her dedication, creativity, and service-oriented leadership, Reed has made a lasting impact on ACBS, Cooperative Extension, and the communities they serve.

Celebrating Excellence Across ACBS
The accomplishments of these five award recipients reflect the breadth of excellence found throughout ACBS. Whether advancing student learning, mentoring future researchers, conducting impactful research, fostering inclusive communities, or supporting outreach and extension across Arizona, each honoree has made meaningful contributions to the school’s mission.