Camilla Ferreira Wenceslau, PhD, associate professor in the School of Medicine Columbia Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, was the recipient of the 2024 Pete Cala Physiology Award for Research Excellence. This award honors the remarkable legacy of Pete Cala, PhD, the former chair of the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California, Davis. Wenceslau recieved the award at UC Davis Health's Second Annual Basic Sciences Symposium, celebrating Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month.

Cala’s leadership and mentorship have had a lasting impact on the field, shaping generations of physiologists. The 2024 award recognizes Wenceslau's exceptional contributions to the discipline, while also celebrating Cala’s enduring influence.

"Receiving the Pete Cala Physiology Award for Research Excellence is an incredible honor," Wenceslau says. "Dr. Cala’s legacy of mentorship and scientific rigor has been a great source of inspiration for me, and being recognized in his name is deeply humbling. I’m also profoundly inspired by the current scientists at UC Davis, including Drs. Manuel Navedo and Fernando Santana, who are not only outstanding scientists but also strong advocates for the Latin community. This award motivates me to continue exploring new frontiers in vascular biology, with the hope of contributing to advancements in cardiovascular health.