Each year, this award is presented to a postdoctoral scholar who has demonstrated exceptional mentoring capabilities when engaging with trainees and other members of their lab group. The individual(s) who is/are chosen must demonstrate leadership, communication, and management skills, and help foster a supportive lab environment.
Learn more about the Postdoctoral Scholar Mentor of Year Award and Past Recipients.
Three individuals were selected as recipients of the 2023 Postdoctoral Scholar Mentor of the Year award. They are as follows:
- Dr. Anuja Kulkarni, who is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Dr. Seunghyun Lee, who is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering.
- Dr. Lorena Rosas, who is a postdoctoral scholar in the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep in the Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine.
Dr. Anuja Kulkarni
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Chemestry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences.
One of the individuals chosen for the 2023 award is Dr. Anuja Kulkarni, who is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. To best show why Dr. Kulkarni was chosen, here are some of the quotes provided by trainees and lab colleagues in the nomination materials:
- “Dr. K is a model lab citizen and uniting force in our lab that is full of researchers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Whether it’s something complex such as training on a new protocol or explaining how to run the vacuum oven for the fifth time that work, Dr. K always proceeds with patience, thoughtfulness, and humor.”
- “Beyond technical skills, Dr. K is a loyal confidant and essential contributor to our support network. She always leaves a door open for being a sounding board and source of tempered and unbiased perspective as we navigate our individual journeys.”
- “Dr. K is the foundation of our research success. Since joining our team, she has contributed to five publications, established two new research thrusts, and has trained over five junior scientists in the lab. Her hard work, devotion to learning and enthusiasm for a challenge are infectious, making it a joy to work with her in the lab.”
- “She shows great empathy in addressing people at every academic level. She is always thorough in her assessment without being critical, guiding us to correct answers to strengthen our reasoning skills. She welcomes being challenged just as much as she enjoys sharing her knowledge, using every opportunity to encourage both her and her labmates’ intellectual growth.”
- “As a lab member, Dr. Kulkarni is one of the most reliable and supportive postdoctoral scholars I’ve ever met. She provides indispensable scientific support through her enthusiasm to discuss research and willingness to help lab members troubleshoot their experiments. I have witnessed first hand her motivation and academic integrity, and experienced her trust and respect for my knowledge despite me only being a second-year graduate student.”
In conclusion, here is one final quote from the nomination materials that encapsulates why Dr. Kulkarni is so deserving of this award:
- “Dr. Kulkarni possesses the nurturing and uplifting spirit that every principal investigator should strive for, the work-ethic and scientific intellect that every graduate student finds inspiring, and the mentorship, patience, and dedication that other postdocs should aim to achieve.”
Seunghyun Lee
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering
One of the individuals chosen for the 2023 award is Dr. Seunghyun Lee, who is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering. To best show why Seunghyun was chosen, here are some of the quotes from lab members that were included in the application:
- “Seunghyun demonstrates all the qualities that a postdoc should possess that not only make him an exceptional researcher, but also an invaluable teacher for everyone around him.”
- “Dr. Lee sets a strong example with his work ethic, integrity, and dedication to research. His commitment to students is evident through tireless guidance and growth opportunities.”
- “Dr. Lee’s positive attitude and support cultivate an empowering environment. He is constantly optimistic about research and always finds a positive angle when encountering roadblocks, which occur frequently.”
- “While Seunghyun is prompt with advice when students face research problems, he gives them enough time and space to investigate the issue at their own pace.”
- Apart from work, Seunghyun actively puts efforts into building strong bonds with collaborators and friends.
In closing, here is another direct quote from the nomination materials that further emphasizes why Seunghyun was chosen:
- “Dr. Lee is not just a leader, he is a mentor and an inspiration to those fortunate enough to work with him. His dedication and remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on our group and we have full confidence in his continued excellence in future endeavors.”
Dr. Lorena Rosas
Postdoctoral Scholar, Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine.
One of the individuals chosen for the 2023 award is Dr. Lorena Rosas, who is a postdoctoral scholar in the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep in the Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine. To best show why Dr. Rosas was chosen, here are some of the quotes provided by trainees and lab colleagues in the nomination materials:
- Lorena has been a catalyst for learning in the laboratory, by working one-on-one with mentees to teach new techniques and thoroughly explain their significance.
- Dr. Rosas makes a conscious effort to ensure her mentees are being exposed to a variety of lab settings, helping to shape us into more well-rounded individuals.
- Lorena’s positive attitude and kind demeanor contribute to an uplifting learning environment which welcomes diverse perspectives and encourages collaboration.
- Her collaborative spirit and willingness to help not only her students, but also colleagues in neighboring labs, exudes professionalism. She has even participated in the Comprehensive Underrepresented Summer Internship Program and Destination OSU to extend research opportunities to students from outside universities and help those who have transferred to OSU acclimate.
- Lorena goes above and beyond by pushing her students out of their comfort one. For me, this meant presenting my project at multiple research forums. Because of Lorena’s guidance, feedback, and support, I was able to present two award-winning presentations, something I never would’ve dreamt of doing as an undergrad, yet somehow she helped make it possible.
- Lorena’s mentorship has made me a more confident and capable individual, inside and outside of the lab.
To conclude, there is one final quote from the nomination materials that encapsulates why Dr. Rosas is so deserving of this award.
- One student wrote, “when I reflect on my undergraduate studies and time working in research, Lorena is single-handedly the most memorable person I’ve encountered. Above being a mentor in the lab, she is truly a great friend who ensures that every student feels welcomed and supported so that they may reach their fullest potential. Whether it be needing help understanding how to do an experiment or overcoming a personal struggle, I know she will be there to help me.”