Graduate Student Torahito (Tora) Gao receives the John W. Phillips Legacy Award

We are pleased to announce that graduate student Torahito (Tora) Gao from Dr. Yvonne Chen’s Lab has been selected as the recipient of the 2024-2025 John W. Phillips Legacy Award. This prestigious $2,500 award recognizes one outstanding graduate student in the MIMG Department who embodies Dr. Phillips's commitment to excellence in research and mentorship.

Tora shares with us, “I am honored to have received the John W. Phillips Legacy Award. This recognition is a meaningful reminder of the importance of scientific innovation and mentorship, and it inspires me to continue advancing impactful science while helping to foster the next generation of scientists.”

Congratulations, Tora! 

About the Award

The John W. Phillips Legacy Award honors the life, work, and principles of Dr. John W. Phillips. The purpose of the prize is to provide funds to graduate students and to continue John’s support of mentorship of individuals in the field. The award will recognize outstanding graduate students in all disciplines included in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, including cancer research.

Dr. John W. Phillips was a teacher and mentor in UCLA’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics who was committed to promoting inclusive excellence in the field. Dr. Phillips devoted his considerable brilliance and hard work to cancer research, principally working in the lab of Dr. Owen Witte.

Dr. Phillips’ dedicated his formidable writing talent and passion for teaching to graduate students. He taught graduate students in the lab and was a mentor to many, with a special emphasis on organizing their science and helping with writing papers and grants.