The Elaine Miye Otani Memorial Award

The Otani Award commemorates Elaine Miye Otani. She was a student who stood for hard work and perseverance with a particular interest in the mechanisms of cellular differentiation and carcinogenesis, yet still found time to spread her friendship and goodwill among those around her, trying at the same time to inspire them in their studies. Her family established this award as a living memorial and tribute to her and her aspirations.

This award is given annually to a graduate student of outstanding character who demonstrates superior academic performance and shows outstanding promise to develop into a resourceful independent investigator.

The student must have a consistent record of service and support to the overall goals of GPILS by stimulating interest in and attempting to improve the quality of academic studies among fellow students in GPILS. The recipient of this award must show evidence of a good working relationship with peers and GPILS faculty and have earned the esteem of others.

Nominees for this award must have successfully passed their Program's Qualifying Examination.

The following items are required by the committee:

A nomination letter from the Program Director or Track Leader
A letter from the nominee's faculty mentor or another appropriate faculty member
A curriculum vitae including the student’s GPA