Dr. Roger Lee Mendoza, a distinguished faculty member of Cal State LA’s College of Business and Economics, has been named the 2026 recipient of the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Faculty Award by the Haynes Foundation which marks its 100th anniversary this year.
Granted through a rigorous juried competition, this centennial award comes with a $17,600 grant for Dr. Mendoza’s pioneering research project on AI’s practical applications in improving access to care and health equity in safety-net clinics of LA’s five counties. These clinics serve a disproportionate share of LA’s large population but often struggle with limited resources, high patient volumes, and administrative burdens that make healthcare accessibility challenging, especially to its underserved residents. The research offers a direct path for local governments and healthcare systems to implement data-supported solutions and best practices to ensure that AI adoption is sustainable, effective, and more equitable.
The esteemed Haynes Award underscores Dr. Mendoza’s dedication to impactful research and advancing knowledge in health economics and healthcare management. It also comes on the heels of another major accolade: Dr. Mendoza was sole recipient in 2025 of the $50,000 Mary L. Todd Sabbatical Award for his scholarly work on universal healthcare in the Asia-Pacific region. His commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship, social equity, and global engagement continues to distinguish him as a beacon of intellect and leadership within the College of Business and Economics and the broader academic community.