Faculty Mentor of the Year

The purpose of this student-nominated award is to appreciate and recognize exemplary faculty who provide undergraduate students access to research experiences and embody exceptional mentorship practices that help students reach their academic and career goals. Nominate your faculty mentor

2025 Recipient

William (Bill) Martin, assistant professor, Biological Sciences

Bill Martin’s commitment to providing access to undergraduate research experiences to all students and his ability to foster confidence and meet students where they are to maximize their growth as researchers is evident in his teaching methods and recognized by many students. 

Here are a few highlights from his student nominations:

“Dr. Martin has helped me and our class curate our best work into our research. He has done this by being available for questions before and after class, giving feedback on our abstracts and generally pushing us to do our best in terms of our research and learning goals.”

“His belief in me allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the biology community, despite my academic challenges...He also gave me the confidence to present my research, something I once thought impossible.”

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2024 Recipient

Allison Gladfelter, associate professor, Allied Health and Communicative Disorders

Allison Gladfelter’s passion, knowledge, and ability to connect and encourage students are characteristics and practices that have made a positive impact not only on a Research Rookie this year, but on many students in previous years.

Research Rookie Zoey Proper shared: 

“Even though we are from different departments, she has been great at relating to my future career as a physical therapist. She is extremely passionate about autism and neurodiversity which has allowed me to develop a passion for advocacy.”