Five University of Kentucky faculty members received the 2025 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for their exceptional leadership and support of student researchers.
Presented each year by the , this student-nominated award recognizes 好色先生 faculty members who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers, providing exceptional undergraduate research experiences, as well as supporting and promoting undergraduate research initiatives on campus.
This year, students nominated a record 58 faculty mentors representing 34 departments and 10 colleges for the award, including four previous award winners. The awards were announced during the 19th annual on April 30.
The 2025 award winners are:
Cassandra Gipson-Reichardt, PhD, College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
Gipson-Reichardt was nominated by student Safiyah Sadek, who said, 鈥淎 great mentor has the ability to see potential in you that is greater than what you can even see in yourself, and this is why my mentor鈥檚 mentorship has had a transformative impact on my undergraduate research experience. My mentor鈥檚 vision, leadership and dedication have created a ripple effect that extends far beyond her lab. Her students鈥 leave prepared to contribute meaningfully to science, armed with the tools, confidence and mentorship that only a truly exceptional faculty member can provide. She is not only deserving of this award. She defines what it means to earn it.鈥
Lindsey Fay, PhD, , Department of Interiors
Fay was nominated by student Brayden Nichols, who said, 鈥淩ather than saying my mentor has had an impact on my undergraduate research career, I would say she is the reason I have one. It鈥檚 not just about the opportunities she has helped me achieve...it鈥檚 something much deeper. Conducting research as an undergraduate is a privilege I am incredibly grateful for, but my mentor has done more than guide me through the process; she has shown me how to love research. My mentor deserves this award not just because she鈥檚 a great mentor, but because she is shaping the future of research in our field.鈥
Hisashi Sawada, PhD, College of Medicine, Department of Physiology
Sawada was nominated by student Preet Patel who said, 鈥淢y mentor demonstrates an outstanding commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers by guiding students from being beginners in the lab to confident researchers. My mentor has taught me how to critically approach problems and always look for positive outcomes, regardless of any negative results we may have produced. From the time I stepped into the lab as a high school student to recently when we spent time planning a project for myself, my mentor has always made me feel included in a large laboratory with many members. He has truly made my undergraduate research experience a great learning journey.鈥
Nicholas Teets, PhD, , Department of Entomology
Teets was nominated by student Sophia Zhou who said, 鈥淢y mentor has had a profound impact on my undergraduate research journey, shaping nearly every aspect of my experience. His impact extends beyond the laboratory. While he pushes me to seek competitive opportunities, he also genuinely cares about my well-being. This balance of high expectations and compassionate guidance is what makes my mentor so exceptional. He cultivates an environment where students not only excel but also feel supported and valued.鈥
Juan Canedo, PhD, College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine
Canedo was nominated by student Mallory Sparks, who said, 鈥淢y mentor demonstrates an outstanding commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers by providing guidance, support and recognition for our contributions. He鈥檚 had a significant impact on my undergraduate research experience, providing me with opportunities to grow as both a researcher and an aspiring health care professional. Beyond his role as a research mentor, my mentor has inspired me to grow as both a student and a person. He encourages me to put forth my best effort and challenges me to reach my full potential. My mentor鈥檚 dedication, mentorship and passion for reducing health disparities make him deserving of this prestigious award.鈥
For a list of this year鈥檚 award nominees, visit .
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