The Provost Award was established in 2014 to honor an outstanding graduating student who transferred to the University of Arizona from an Arizona community college with at least 36 transferable units. Criteria for the award includes perseverance and commitment to academic studies, contributions to the University community and above-average scholastic ability, citizenship and leadership.

2024 Provost Award Recipient:

Taylor Cavallaro

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Taylor Cavallaro was born and raised in Campbell, California. His journey in science has been nontraditional. Despite a winding road marked by adversity, he is here: a rising scientist, a passionate biologist, and a graduating senior at the University of Arizona!  

Taylor's life changed when a traumatic experience threatened his life and his sanity. He moved to Sedona, Arizona, to recover and find his way. A slower pace of life and connection with nature allowed Taylor to confront his pain and develop resilience and self-awareness. He realized that he was unfulfilled; he was ready for change.  

Determined, Taylor enrolled at Coconino Community College at age 27 with hopes of becoming a scientist – a choice inspired by his newfound curiosity and love for the natural world. After two years at Coconino, Taylor had gone from high school dropout to 4.0 student. He transferred to the University of Arizona amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Taylor has built a strong portfolio of research, service and leadership experiences during his time at UArizona. As a Campus Arboretum student worker, he served in stewardship and research of the campus’ historical plant collections. As a preceptor in a foundational biochemistry course, he helped his fellow Wildcats succeed. Working in the lab of Dr. Betsy Arnold, he contributed to multiple research projects while serving as a peer mentor to other students.  

In July 2023, Taylor traveled to the Arctic with Dr. Arnold to conduct fieldwork as part of the U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program. In November 2023, he presented the findings of his self-led project at a national meeting. He will be a co-author and lead author of forthcoming scientific papers for his contributions in research.  

Taylor is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in plant sciences and a minor in French. After graduation, he will attend Stanford University as a doctoral student in the Department of Biology. He aspires to become a professor who makes a difference in the world, and to foster an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovative and exciting research.