Eight UC faculty recognized for excellence in mentoring undergraduate researchers

Eight University of Cincinnati professors have received this year's Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award.

The award recognizes UC faculty for exceptional mentoring to undergraduate students in research. As outstanding mentors, they provide experiences that integrate students socially, intellectually, and professionally into their research environments. They allow students to participate in all aspects of the research process. Finally, they set expectations and foster independence in a way that prepares students for graduate school and research professions.

As a Research-1 institution, UC offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research and explore it as a possible career. This spring, an impressive 120 undergraduate students nominated their research mentors. The Office of Undergraduate Research made final selections based on the strength and number of endorsements for each nominee.

Congratulations to this year's outstanding research mentors:

• Carolyn R. Smith, PhD, RN, Nursing
• Julio Landero, PhD, Chemistry
• Joshua Benoit, PhD, Biological Sciences
• Keshar Ghimire, PhD, Economics
• Armaghan Ziaee, PhD, Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Andy Villemez, DMA, Piano Performance
• Michael J. Sharp, PhD, Experience-Based Learning and Career Education
  
• Guy-Lucien Whembolua, PhD, Africana Studies

UC’s Undergraduate Research Program supports students of all disciplines in developing the knowledge, skills and self-confidence to pursue research experiences and thrive in research roles. It provides training to faculty, staff and students that allow them to co-create productive, mutually beneficial mentor-mentee research collaborations.

Featured image at top: Evaluator at a recent Undergraduate Scholarly Showcase. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Creative + Brand