2022 Alumni Award Honorees
Embracing curiosity and disrupting the status quo is the Triton way. UC San Diego alumni carry an agility and open-minded spirit that sets them apart, as they make a difference at home, in their communities and around the globe.
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
Daniel Burstein MFA ’90
Theatre | Performing Arts
Tony Award-winning Actor
Daniel Burstein, MFA ’90
A seven-time Tony Award nominee, Danny Burstein, MFA ’90, received the 2020 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in Moulin Rouge! Over the past 30 years, Burstein has appeared in 18 Broadway shows and over 60 film and television roles. An advocate for the theatrical arts, he continues to support the UC San Diego performing arts community.
Erik T. Engelson ’82, MS ’84
Microbiology & Bioengineering | Warren College
President & CEO, Lucira Health, Inc.
Erik T. Engelson ’82, MS ’84
An inventor of 50+ medical device patents, Erik T. Engelson ’82, MS ’84 is a leader in his field. When the pandemic struck in March 2020, Engelson was poised to help; within the year, his company had pivoted their diagnostic test technology and developed the first at-home COVID-19 test kit to earn FDA approval. Engelson has served as trustee for both the UC San Diego Foundation and Department of Bioengineering.
CHANGEMAKERS
Kristin J. A. Brownell ’93, MD ’01
Biology & Doctor of Medicine | Muir College
MD, MPH at Family Health Centers of San Diego
Kristin J. A. Brownell ’93, MD ’01
For Kristin J.A. Brownell ’93, MD/MPH ’01, the social justice activism she experienced as a student at UC San Diego would go on to influence her life’s work to help improve primary care for refugees and immigrants. Today, Brownell is a core faculty member at the Family Health Centers of San Diego Family Medicine Residency and a volunteer clinical instructor for the UC San Diego School of Medicine.
Patrick Ledden ’89
Physics | Muir College
Founder & CEO, Nova Medical, Inc.
Patrick Ledden ’89
A pioneer in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, Patrick Ledden ’89 earned an MD from Harvard University before founding Nova Medical, Inc. His company’s technology is used all over the world to help further the study of brain diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s. Ledden is an avid supporter of UC San Diego, championing the Patrick Ledden Scholarship, named after his father, former provost of Muir College.
Jamie Montgomery ’81
Political Science | Muir College
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, March Capital
Jamie Montgomery ’81
With a well-established history advising and financing leading technology companies, Jamie Montgomery ’81 is co-founder and managing partner of March Capital. He established The Montgomery Summit, an annual technology conference attracting global investors and corporate executives. Montgomery serves on the UC San Diego Campaign Leadership Cabinet and is an active supporter of innovation and entrepreneurship at UC San Diego.
INTERNATIONAL
Liliana Pao ’99, MPIA ’02
Psychology & Political Science | Muir College
Master of Pacific International Affairs | GPS
Communications, Diversity & Inclusion Policy Officer, European Commission
Liliana Pao ’99, MPIA ’02
Liliana Pao ’99, MPIA ’02 is a global communications professional with 20 years of experience designing and managing communication strategies. A dedicated Triton, she has provided steadfast support as a volunteer, acting as key leader for the School of Global Policy and Strategy’s Europe alumni, while also serving on the school’s Alumni Board and participating in numerous student and alumni outreach initiatives.
EMERGING LEADERS
Tanya A. Menendez ’09
Sociology | Muir College
Co-Founder & CEO, Snowball Wealth
Tanya A. Menendez ’09
Tanya A. Menendez ’09 is co-founder and CEO of Snowball Wealth, a platform that provides personalized guidance to pay off debt and build wealth. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Menendez worked at Goldman Sachs and Google. She has been included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List and named one of the Most Powerful Latinas by People en Español.
Pauline L. Nuth ’13
Biology & Economics | Roosevelt College
Founder, Tiny Catalyst; Product Manager, Stanford Health Care
Pauline L. Nuth ’13
Pauline L. Nuth ’13, is passionate about healthcare innovation and social impact. During the pandemic, Nuth started Tiny Catalyst — a platform offering young professionals a place to gather for networking and problem solving. Their first initiative was the Social Impact Fellowship Program — an experiential learning opportunity for underrepresented students. In her work at Stanford Health Care, Nuth designs, implements and scales digital health products and services.
Start a Nomination
We’re seeking nominations for the True Triton Awards, recognizing exceptional volunteers, and the UC San Diego Alumni Awards, showcasing four different categories of impact. This is your opportunity to recognize exceptional alumni who have made a significant difference.