Heineman, Suidan Honored For Excellence In Mentoring

Research shows that the primary predictor for student success is whether he or she has formed a connection with even just one professor. Nowhere is that more true than at the doctoral level. The relationship of a doctoral student to his or her major professor is at the core of doctoral training. The guidance, encouragement and modeling provided by a mentor has an impact that lasts a lifetime.

In recognition of the enormous contributions that faculty mentors make and the very special relationships they build, the Vice President for Research and University Dean of Advanced Studies established an award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring.

Winners of the 2004 Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring are Professors William Heineman of the Department of Chemistry and Makram Suidan of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. They were selected by a committee of peers -- past award winners and faculty with distinguished service as doctoral mentors.

" . . .a rare combination of world-class scientific ability coupled with a deep and abiding concern for the personal and professional growth of his students."

". . . consistently creates an environment that motivates individuals to stretch and excel."

" . . .a track record of cultivating successful scientists and leaders on a global scale."

" . . .[role] models collegial behavior. His students quickly recognize and appreciate the importance of collaboration."

" . . . treats everyone with the highest level of respect and integrity, regardless of status or position."

Since his arrival at the university in 1972, Dr. Heineman has served as dissertation adviser for over 60 doctoral students, many of whom have gone on to very successful careers in analytical chemistry. Prof. Heineman's letters of support reflect the deep admiration, gratitude and strong personal connection that one would expect to find between a valued mentor and his former students. They frequently cite his devotion to scholarship, teaching skills, leadership style and high ethical standards as a professional and personal model that they have attempted to emulate. Dr. Heineman has that rare talent of a stealth mentor -- one who teaches and leads in such an unassuming and quiet manner that students realize his influence only in retrospect. By removing "self" yet providing support he creates an environment within which students have the opportunity for the most exciting educational experience -- discovery.

" . . . teaching methods . . . so effective that . . . students not only learn . . . they remember it forever."

"He instilled in me an excellent work ethic and a joy of discovery . . . ."

"One of the greatest environmental engineering educators and researchers I have ever known."

". . . places his students above all else . . . ."

" . . . open door policy . . . always assured me that I am not `left alone' in my research."

"Leads by example."

"I am very proud to be one of Professor Suidan's `disciples'. . ."

Dr. Suidan has been a member of the UC faculty since 1991. Since then he has graduated 18 doctoral students and is currently the major professor for 10 PhD candidates. In addition to being an excellent teacher, his former students' testimonies demonstrate loud and clear his dedication to his students, his commitment to excellence (both his own and theirs), his leadership in research, his innovative ideas, and his unselfish commitment of time. He has high expectations and the highest standard of ethics. And, he expects no less of his students. As a result, his students have won national awards for their papers, presented at national and international conferences, and gone on to successful careers in industry and academe. An astonishing 16 of the 28 are now teaching in higher education settings.