Stanford Bioengineering Announces 2026 Staff Award Recipients
For the third consecutive year, Stanford Bioengineering is celebrating three exceptional staff members whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our department and community. Nominated by their colleagues, these individuals were recognized for the meaningful work and impact they’ve made on our community. An external committee selected the awardees as the best representatives of our core values of innovation, leadership, and excellence.
Innovation & Creativity Award
Devyn James, Administrative Associate
The Innovation and Creativity Award recognizes an individual who introduces innovative ideas or solutions that significantly improve departmental operations or services, demonstrates creativity in problem-solving, and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
Devyn James has exemplified the spirit of innovation and creativity this past year through her proactive pursuit of new skills, thoughtful process improvements, and commitment to strengthening the bioengineering department in both immediate and forward-looking ways. Working closely with colleagues across and beyond her assigned labs, Devyn identifies opportunities to contribute meaningful solutions—from her strategic work on the Synthetic Biology postdoctoral seed grant, which helped drive a substantial increase in both the volume and quality of applications under a tight timeline, to her recommendations for clearer communications and website improvements. She has also independently begun developing an AI chatbot for the department’s internal resource network, an emerging tool with the potential to make vital information more accessible. By sharing improvements with fellow administrators, remaining attentive to the needs of her labs, and continually exploring new technologies and professional-development opportunities, Devyn demonstrates that innovation is a collaborative, practical commitment to making today’s work better while building possibilities for tomorrow.
Leadership & Mentorship Award
Tiffany Strope, Team Lead, Research Finance
The Leadership & Mentorship Award recognizes an individual who shows exceptional leadership qualities and guides team members toward success, acts as a mentor and role model, provides support and guidance to colleagues, and fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Tiffany Strope embodies the very best of leadership and mentorship, guiding those on the finance team with compassion, integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to their success. As the Finance Team Lead, she has provided steady, dependable leadership through periods of transition and growth while remaining approachable, collaborative, and deeply invested in her colleagues’ professional development. Tiffany empowers team members to lead projects independently, build confidence in navigating new systems and complex processes, and find answers through thoughtful guidance, resources, and encouragement rather than simply providing solutions. This year, she independently trained and mentored two Research Administrators whose contributions have strengthened the department, while also serving as a trusted sounding board and resource for finance colleagues across the organization. Her exceptional financial knowledge and reliable partnership are equally evident in her support of complex lab operations, funding regulations, grant applications, reporting deadlines, and quarterly financial planning. Through detailed agendas, clear action items, consistent training, and diligent follow-through, Tiffany ensures that teams remain organized and equipped to succeed. Drawing on her own growth from Research Administrator II to manager, Tiffany leads with empathy and experience, creating an inclusive environment where colleagues feel valued, capable, and inspired to grow.
Outstanding Achievement: Going for the Gold Award
Nancy Vo, Research Administrator
The Outstanding Achievement: Going for the Gold Award recognizes an individual who achieves significant accomplishments that have a positive impact on the department, demonstrates excellence in their field of expertise, produces high-quality work, and is recognized by peers and supervisors for their contributions and achievements.
Nancy Nguyen represents the BioE gold standard: an accomplished, compassionate, and deeply trusted colleague whose exceptional work elevates both the people and processes around her. As a Senior Research Administrator, Nancy combines extensive financial expertise with remarkable responsiveness, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. She creates an environment in which colleagues feel welcome, heard, and comfortable asking questions, patiently sharing her knowledge while approaching every challenge with humility and a willingness to learn alongside others. Nancy’s exceptional support helps faculty labs navigate urgent requests, complex financial processes, and high-stakes projects with confidence and care. Her innovative mindset has also transformed team workflows through clearer forms, streamlined spreadsheets, user-friendly templates, and improvements to the Booked Budget process—earning her well-deserved recognition as an “Excel wizard.” Nancy consistently goes beyond expectations, often delivering solutions that exceed even the most ambitious vision for a project, all while carrying herself with warmth, reliability, and humility. Her recent achievement of becoming a Certified Financial Research Administrator further reflects her dedication to continuous growth and excellence, making her an outstanding recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award.
