Holly Smith Award Recipients

Rochelle Blanco has served as the administrator and driving force behind the Traineeship in AIDS Studies (TAPS) Program for the last 30 years. She goes above and beyond to not only manage the program but also engage with its content, forge lasting relationships with trainees and faculty, and exemplify the mission of the program and the UCSF PRIDE values. Rochelle is completely committed to helping post-docs excel to become the next leaders in HIV research. She has shepherded more than 200 postdoctoral fellows through the TAPS program, touching all of their lives, helping their fellowships be successful, and encouraging them to find meaningful careers. Rochelle's boundless intellectual curiosity, sensitivity, grace, humor, professionalism, and compassion infuse everything that she does, making her an invaluable asset to the program and the UCSF community.

Kalpana Harish, MPH, serves as the Senior Administrative Director for the Division of Transplant Surgery, Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Surgery, and the Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory (ITL). Her leadership spans one of the largest interprofessional teams within the Department of Surgery. She also provides oversight for the department’s research programs and biostatistics core. Kalpana is always willing to tackle any challenge, regardless of whether it falls within her defined scope. Her initiative, coupled with insight and strategic thinking, translates to superior effectiveness in her role. Kalpana and her teams are always working hard to improve clinical care, research, and education and are committed to serving the organization and making a positive impact on others. Kalpana embodies the qualities of generosity, humor, open-mindedness, and patience, making her an invaluable asset to the organization.

Lucy Zumwinkle Kornblith, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, is an exceptional clinician, educator, and researcher, and has made a significant impact during her time at UCSF. Dr. Kornblith is the co-founder and co-chair of the Muriel Steele Society, an inclusive community that supports and promotes women surgeons at all stages of their careers. With more than 400 members, the society has contributed to the improvement of recruitment and addressed aspects of gender inequality. Her collaborative approach to education has advanced the knowledge of students and residents throughout UCSF. Dr. Kornblith's exceptional clinical care and commitment to her patients has made her a role model to learners at all levels. Finally, her research has impacted the treatment of COVID-19, and her research on platelet genomics is so novel that it is opening a new field of study. Despite her numerous achievements and recognitions, Dr. Kornblith remains humble and inclusive, sharing her knowledge and expertise with others.

Alicia Lieberman, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry, has dedicated her life and career to improving the well-being of underserved youth and minority and low-income families. As the Director of the Child Trauma Research Program, she has created a legacy that will positively impact the child mental health care field for generations to come. Dr. Lieberman’s trailblazing efforts have placed a spotlight on the importance of early childhood mental health on a global scale through her service, prolific writing, research, teaching, and advocacy. Despite facing difficult situations, Dr. Lieberman's humor and grace allow her to maintain a light-hearted and positive attitude, while still demonstrating professionalism and empathy.