Dr. Acton has been selected as the recipient of the Alumni Discovery Award in recognition of her pioneering scientific curiosity and the far-reaching impact of her discoveries in human health. An alum of UCSF’s Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs and now head of neuroinflammation research at Adiso Therapeutics, she is widely recognized for her early UCSF-based discovery of the human ACE2 protein — foundational research that years later proved crucial to understanding how viruses including SARS-CoV-2 enter human cells. Her career exemplifies the power of basic scientific inquiry to generate transformative, unforeseen global impact, a hallmark of the Discovery Award. Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Acton has bridged academia and industry to translate discoveries into practical innovations, while remaining deeply connected to UCSF’s mission of mentorship, collaboration, and service. Her work brings lasting distinction to UCSF and powerfully reflects the university’s commitment to advancing health through discovery.
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