Excellence in Mentorship Award: Faculty Mentors
Geovanna Rodriguez, School Psychology
Nominators praised Dr. Rodriguez’s “culturally humble approach” to mentorship. One nominator said, “I cannot think of a more dedicated, skilled, and effective graduate mentor than Dr. Geovanna Rodriguez. She inspires me to be a better mentor, and I learn every day from her. She goes out of her way to support our minority students, who need faculty like her more than ever. This work requires her energy, her time, and her labor in ways that our traditional models of workload cannot possibly account for.”
By giving this award annually, the Division of Graduate Studies hopes to reinforce and highlight practices that enhance the overall quality of graduate education at the University of Oregon.
Excellence in Mentorship Award: Graduate Student Mentors
Kana Suzuki, Biology
The common message in Kana’s nominations was that the strength of the support and mentorship they provide to other students is simply outstanding. In the words of the current and former students who submitted nominations:
“Kana's mentorship is effective not only with me but also with everyone else in the lab… Her ability to provide guidance transcends her research knowledge, as she has adopted a more holistic approach in mentoring me by devoting meetings to professional development and career exploration.”
“Kana is just generally an amazing human being and I count myself lucky to have learned so much from them as a student and to get to continue learning alongside them as a friend. They are involved in many efforts to make the UO community a better and more inclusive place and absolutely deserve commendation for their excellent mentorship skills.”
This award is intended to highlight the important work being done by UO graduate students in providing mentorship to other graduate and undergraduate students.
Excellence Award for Directors of Graduate Studies
Roy Chan, East Asian Languages and Literatures
Nominations for this award made it clear that Dr. Chan’s work as Director of Graduate Studies has had a tremendous impact on the graduate program in EALL. To quote some of the nominators:
“Roy consistently goes beyond administrative duties to ensure students feel safe, heard, and supported—emotionally and professionally…He is someone students trust and turn to in moments of uncertainty. His presence has made a tangible difference in our graduate community.”
“Roy consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to the success of all graduate students…His tireless support has made a significant impact on our academic and professional growth.”
“As a director of graduate studies, he is always ready to do whatever needs to get done to help students succeed, handling administrative tasks outside the scope of his responsibilities as DGS whenever needed. When I need advice, support, or just someone to listen, Professor Chan is the first person I turn to. He is the rock on which the department stands.”
Excellence Award for Graduate Coordinators
Jen Strong, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Some of the common themes that emerged in the nominations for this award were Jen’s diligence, kindness, compassion, problem solving abilities, and advocacy. In their words:
“Jen’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in our graduate program has been remarkably evident through her initiative to launch the EAGER program. By allowing incoming students to settle in two weeks before the formal start of their PhD programs, EAGER facilitates a smoother transition with workshops led by senior PhD students, shadowing opportunities, and social interactions with faculty and peers. The success of the program, particularly in engaging a majority of incoming students, including those from underrepresented minorities, underscores Jen's ability to conceive, plan, and execute a program with complex logistics and extended duration. Her vision, commitment to seeking student feedback, and ability to ensure a warm welcome for students of diverse backgrounds have undoubtedly contributed to the program's resounding success.”
“I believe our department has struck gold with Jen Strong. She is a superbly talented person who would succeed in any setting. She is transforming our already strong graduate program into a far more welcoming one that does a much better job of getting students off to a strong start.”
“Jen has made immeasurable contributions to the vitality and inclusivity of academic and research programs throughout UO biological sciences. She is also an imaginative and untiring advocate for the personal welfare of her students. The thread that weaves together these successes is her generous spirit and warm heart. She is successful because she cares.”