The Office of Postdoctoral Services sponsors yearly awards to the Outstanding Postdoc and Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke. These awards honor not only research achievements, but contributions in mentoring, service, and teaching. Awards are presented at Postdoctoberfest, Duke’s annual fall celebration to honor the vital research and teaching contributions of our hard-working postdocs.
Outstanding Postdoc Award
The Outstanding Postdoc Award recognizes that postdocs are crucial to the research mission of Duke. This award honors those postdocs who are not only skilled researchers, but who serve as advisers, advocates and role models for other postdocs and students.
Outstanding postdoc Mentor award
The Outstanding Postdoc Mentor Award recognizes that a good mentor serves not only as a teacher, but as an adviser, advocate, and role model to postdocs throughout their professional training. The Outstanding Postdoc Mentor serves as a model for the entire University and helps to promote a culture of mentoring at Duke.
2024 Outstanding Postdoc
Dr. Meltem Yucel, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience
Dr. Mohamed Noor, Executive Vice Provost and Professor of Biology, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc to Dr. Meltem Yucel from the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience. Dr Yucel received multiple nominations from her faculty mentor, her lab colleagues, and her undergraduate mentees.
Under the mentorship of Professor Tamar Kushnir and Professor Mike Tomasello, Dr Yucel has made remarkable contributions to our understanding of social cognition and morality, with a focus on how and when children become moral beings. Since her arrival at Duke in 2021, Meltem has published 9 papers (with 7 more submitted and 4 more in preparation), given 24 invited talks, given 27 conference presentations, received 20 grants and awards from national and international organizations, and successfully mentored 11 undergraduate students.
Dr Yucel also won an NIH NRSA F32 postdoctoral fellowship studying how children’s gossip can impact their feelings of belonging in their social groups. This is the first-ever proposal NIH has funded with a primary focus on gossip, highlighting the originality and innovation of Meltem’s research.
Dr Yucel spends many hours mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. As a result, Meltem’s undergraduate mentees have performed exceptionally well. In fact, she was named as a Finalist for Duke’s 2024 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, which highlights members of the Duke community who have distinguished themselves through their selflessness, service to others, and generosity of character.
Dr Yucel is also deeply invested in diversifying psychology and making it more accessible, exemplified by her initiative PsychResearchList, which has reached over 80,000 users from 165 countries. This free website empowers aspiring psychologists by providing a wealth of resources to navigate graduate school applications, internships, and research opportunities. It has proven to be a game-changer for Duke students and countless others worldwide, streamlining the often-arduous process of researching graduate programs. Meltem has presented on this resource to the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, and it was featured by the Boston Globe as an exemplary diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. Recently it was highlighted by the podcast ‘Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness’ to over half a million listeners.
Dr Yucel also co-founded the International Moral Psychology Seminar Series to create a globalized network of researchers. This was motivated by the idea that there is both a moral and scientific imperative to make science more accessible and increase the diversity of people who are invited to give talks, attend colloquia, and collaborate in research. So far, over 600 scholars from 55 countries have signed up to be on the International Moral Psychologists List.
Dr Yucel’s resilience and dedication to creating pathways for herself and future generations epitomize her as not only an excellent scientist but also a remarkable colleague, fully deserving Duke’s 2024 Outstanding Postdoc Award.
2024 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor
Dr. Leonardo Ferreira, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
The 2024 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor is Dr. Leonardo Ferreira, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Colin Duckett, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented the award.
Though relatively new to Duke, Dr. Ferreira brings nearly 15 years of mentoring experience. He leads one of the few, if not the only, US-based groups studying respiratory muscle weakness in heart failure. Leo’s dedication to his postdoctoral mentees is truly exceptional. His nominees describe him as a mentor who goes above and beyond, providing not only research guidance but also personal support and encouragement.
One postdoc shared how Dr. Ferreira made his transition to Duke smoother by going above and beyond to help them and their partner relocate to North Carolina. Leo even took the time to research job opportunities for their partner and amateur soccer leagues, knowing that soccer was an important part of their lives. Another postdoc recalled how, during a particularly tough time when they were dealing with complex family issues across two countries, Leo unexpectedly called them one Saturday—not to discuss research, but simply to check on their well-being. They talked for over an hour, not once mentioning science, and that kind gesture left a lasting impression. These moments reflect Dr. Ferreira’s genuine care for the whole person, not just their output in the lab.
Central to Dr. Ferreira's mentorship philosophy is a deep respect for diversity and inclusivity. He appreciates that what is normal for one person may not be normal for another and adjusts his approach to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities. Leo is committed to providing all lab members with opportunities for project ownership, completing experiments, learning techniques in other laboratories (both on and off-campus), and presenting their work from local to international stages. He has also shown flexibility in modifying experimental plans to accommodate the schedules of graduate students and staff with children, as well as undergraduate volunteers from disadvantaged backgrounds, hiring them in the lab whenever possible. He successfully secured an NIH Diversity Supplement to support a postdoc who is a Latino, first-generation college graduate. Thanks to Leo’s mentorship, this postdoc is now poised to be one of the few Latinos studying respiratory muscle dysfunction in heart failure.
In short, Dr. Leo Ferreira is a mentor who leads by example and cares deeply about the people behind the research, and Duke is proud to name him our 2024 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor.
Previous Outstanding Postdocs
Dr. Géssica Barros, Department of Biology
Dr. Colin Duckett, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc to Dr. Géssica Barros from the Department of Biology.
Dr. Barros’ faculty mentor, Dr Gustavo Silva, writes: Dr. Barros is a scientific leader in my lab, an amazing mentor and teacher for our undergraduate students, and a wonderful colleague and role model for our graduate students and postdocs. With her strong work ethic, Dr. Barros rapidly became a leader, developed many new tools and brought new techniques to the lab. Her scientific efforts led to a first-author paper that has been recently accepted in Cell Reports. Her data and efforts allowed me to successfully secure funds to purchase a new flow cytometer that is now massively used by our lab members. Finally, her results are also serving as the foundation for two new research grants, one recently awarded and one under review at the NSF. In addition to being an amazing scientist, Dr. Barros naturally became the lab mentor for three undergraduate students. Dr. Barros is an amazing teacher and her patience and thoughtfulness fully support our students on their learning and scientific journey. Dr. Barros is not just an outstanding mentor for undergraduate researchers, but she is also a role model for my graduate students. Her professionalism, warmth, and presence are felt in the laboratory, as she consistently creates space to support, train, and welcome our new members. Finally, Dr. Barros has also supported many members of our department, whether they were in need for a better protocol for western blots, or to use our equipment. Her dependability and reliability have made her an amazing ambassador in the department. In sum, Dr. Barros has elevated the science of my laboratory.
A former undergraduate mentee writes: As a scientist, Géssica goes above and beyond what is required of her, constantly asking new questions. As a mentor, Géssica strives for the success of her mentees. From reading over my final senior thesis draft at 10 pm to answering every “why” question I have in lab, Géssica has always been someone I can rely on. Not only is she an extremely knowledgeable and creative scientist, she is also always willing to help, always willing to learn and always willing to teach. She serves as an exceptional role model to me, the members of our lab, and all future scientists.
A graduate student writes: Gessica has positively impacted our laboratory, both scientifically and socially. She is fearless in taking our lab in new directions. She carries out her work to the highest standard of rigor when no one is looking. She also cares deeply for the wellbeing of her fellow lab mates, and has contributed to a more positive lab culture since she arrived. Gessica has gone above and beyond in her role as a postdoc, helping me improve not only as a scientist but as a person.
Dr. Catherine Denning-Jannace, Department of Chemistry
Dr. Carla Wall, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
In 2022, we are delighted to honor not one, but two, Outstanding Postdocs: Dr. Catherine Denning-Jannace of the Dept of Chemistry and Dr. Carla Wall of the Dept of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Both Dr. Denning-Jannace and Dr. Wall were nominated by numerous current and former research group members and their faculty mentors.
Dr. Jennifer Lodge, Vice President for Research and Innovation, presented the awards for Outstanding Postdoc to Drs. Denning-Jannace and Wall.
Dr. Catherine Denning-Jannace
Dr. Denning-Janace’s faculty mentor, Dr. Katherine Franz, wrote: Catherine joined my laboratory in February 2020. What impressed me most was her desire to stretch fearlessly into a new research area. She was interested in applying her biophysical mindset to questions about how cellular metals influence biological regulatory events, which would require that she learn new skillsets. Given the timing of her arrival at Duke just one month before coronavirus laboratory shutdowns, the opportunity to gather preliminary data for her project was seriously curtailed. During that time, she showed impressive adaptability, resilience, and fearlessness to try new things. In the work-from-home phase, she dug into a large dataset generated by a former group member but not yet fully analyzed. She very quickly learned the new software required to analyze this incredibly rich dataset. When her analysis is completed, we will have an unprecedented look at the whole proteome level, of how expression of metalloproteins in C. albicans changes as a function of time and drug exposure.
The challenges of the coronavirus pandemic of course are far from over. The negative impact on women with care-giving roles is glaring. As a mother of twin toddlers, Catherine has persevered amid the daunting realities of day-care closures, Covid scares, and constantly shifting work schedules. Not only does she adapt and persevere, she provides strength and motivation to others.
Catherine’s leadership ability and commitment to inclusion is always evident. She is a phenomenal mentor to coworkers and younger students in the lab. I have seen her go out of her way to help graduate and undergraduate students work through challenges, both experimental and personal. In the broader departmental community, she stepped up to be a member of our Duke Chemistry Diversity, Inclusion and Community committee. Catherine’s voice within that committee is helping shape a positive and inclusive climate in the department.
A graduate student wrote: Catherine is incredibly hard working and an exceptional scientist. Catherine acts as a mentor and friend to all 10 graduate students here in lab. As a senior graduate student, I have found Catherine to be an invaluable part of my PhD journey. She is always willing to help you talk through experimental design, read through a paper draft, give general life advice, or just let you vent about dissertation writing.
Catherine is an inspiration to us all with the way she manages her research and her home life as a mother of 3-year-old twin boys. Despite having her own responsibilities as a mother, a scientist, and as an advocate for women in STEM, Catherine never fails to find time for all of us. Whenever I need guidance or support, she is there. I cannot wait to see what she will achieve in her independent career and am thankful to her for all of the support and friendship over the past three years.
An undergraduate student wrote: Catherine is an outstanding lab mentor who went above and beyond in training me. She is one of the busiest people I have met yet constantly seeks to mentor others. My first project was not under Catherine’s supervision, and I struggled greatly. Catherine realized that I was struggling and entirely of her own accord, designed a small research project that fit my skills. I made more progress in those first two weeks working with Catherine than I had in my entire previous year in lab. Under Catherine’s mentorship I was finally able to reach a point where I felt proud of my research and confident enough to continue in science after graduation. I am now a post-baccalaureate researcher at the National Cancer Institute, and the skills that Catherine taught me have given me a strong start.
Dr. Carla Wall
Dr. Wall’s mentor, Dr Jill Howard, wrote: Dr. Carla Wall is a shining star in our lab. Having barely been in her current role for a year, she is already making a significant impact through her research, service and mentoring. She is leading or co-leading a number of research products and also serves as a research clinician on multiple large studies. Though her research is impressive, where she truly excels is in her service and mentoring. She has notably been identified by more junior colleagues as an advocate, mentor, and role model. Carla co-leads the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development’s Task Force for Racial Equity, which strives to dismantle systemic racism. Carla also serves as a member of the Professional Development Subcommittee of this task force, and has participated as a mentor on multiple initiatives to promote the future success of underrepresented minorities. She exudes a passion for elevating others, and in particular has been an important advocate for BIPOC colleagues. Carla is a committed clinical scientist with a big heart for service, and is one of the kindest, most personable individuals you could have the pleasure of meeting. She is wholeheartedly deserving of this year’s Outstanding Postdoc award, and will clearly continue to make a positive impact at Duke.
A graduate student wrote: Carla is continually dedicated to not only clinical research, but to the staff. She is always willing to be part of the team and lend a hand for anyone in need. We work with children with autism, which often requires the ability to adapt and accommodate individual needs, which Carla seamlessly navigates. In addition to her research role, Carla is always willing to mentor and train others. Carla has been a resource for me as I navigate the same process she went through as a doctoral student. She truly embodies being an outstanding postdoc!
A staff member wrote: Carla’s strength, empathy, commitment to justice, equity and inclusion, and her passion for supporting all of those with whom she works are palpable in all that she does. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Carla through our research studies as well as co-leaders for the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development Task Force for Racial Equity. She is a strong advocate for colleagues and deeply sensitive to issues of fairness, equality, and justice. She is a strong leader, gives helpful feedback with kindness, always is willing to receive feedback and incredibly approachable and also humble. She thinks about how our activities and research impact people of color and minorities. It is wonderful to have her on our research team and I’m grateful that she is in this field because we need more leaders like her.
Another staff member wrote: Carla’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is beyond the bare minimum. Carla has been an amazing support system for me and our team of multicultural employees. She has been a leader, allowing room for vulnerability, room for tears with her “just come to my office and close the door” stance, encouraging care and perseverance for our ideas, and reminding us that we have the power to find solutions through advocacy for ourselves. Simultaneously, Carla has advocated for us individually. It shows her character and dedication to bettering the human experience, not just her own, and she really deserves some recognition for that attribute. We need her in this field.
Dr. Adrian Oliver, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Oliver’s PI, Dr Charles Gersbach, writes: Adrian has been a postdoctoral associate in my laboratory since 2015 and has proven to be an absolutely fantastic scientist with a tremendous work ethic and exceptional professionalism. She has made great progress in the area of engineering new technologies for gene therapy that are certain to be of value for the field, and has brought recognition to Duke through her work in multiple ways. Adrian’s first project in my lab aimed to explore the diversity of CRISPR systems in nature as genome engineering tools in human cells. This work is now in press at Nature Biotechnology. She has mentored two undergraduates, both of whom are co-authors on her Nature Biotechnology paper. They were both so inspired by their experience with Adrian that they chose to go to PhD programs in biomedical research. Adrian is on a perfect path to establishing an impactful independent research program in gene and cell therapy, and has the ideal skill set to do so.
A lab member writes: I’d say Adrian is one of the rock stars in the lab. She is one of the most driven, energetic and passionate scientists I have ever met. She is constantly thinking of new experiments and encouraging me to come up with my own ideas. She truly loves the research that she does, and her excitement about new ideas and projects is palpable; it makes me excited to come to work every day. I am so grateful to work alongside her.
A grad student in the lab writes: Adrian was assigned to be one of my postdoc mentors, and she went above and beyond to help me get acclimated to the lab. She took it on herself to teach me all the fundamental skills I needed to get my project started. She also was key in the intellectual planning of my project, spending multiple hours to help me think through each and every detail. She also advocated for me to be a part of her project and got me on her paper within my first year of being in the lab. There's no doubt in my mind that Adrian would make a fantastic PI herself, because she truly looks out for the needs and success of the people she mentors.
A former postdoc, now Assistant Professor, writes: Two characteristics highlight why Adrian is a good candidate for this award: her tenacity during her research and her dedication to mentorship. Adrian was among the first to harness CRISPR systems of a special type, the subject of her recently accepted Nature Biotechnology paper. This work is impressive, but it started with a small blip on a graph. When the initial result was unimpressive, most people would have walked away from the project. Adrian instead set out to optimize every aspect and eventually developed a technology that can increase gene activation over 100-fold, resulting in a manuscript in one of our field’s top journals. She did this impressive work while mentoring two Duke Undergraduate students. She was a fierce advocate for both of them, and motivated them so that they were some of the most productive undergraduates I’ve ever seen. Adrian truly deserves this award.
A former student writes: I worked for Adrian as an undergraduate at Duke for two and a half years. Adrian was a joy to work for and her mentoring style set me up for a successful transition into graduate school. I learned a great deal from her strong work ethic and high standards for scientific rigor. In addition to research, she always helped me with my next career step. When I was thinking about going into industry, she connected me with people who could share their experiences. When I finally decided on graduate school, she helped me understand the application process and guided me through the pros and cons of each school. Adrian is an Outstanding Postdoc because she embodies the characteristics of an outstanding mentor and teacher.
Dr. Sarah Longo, Department of Biology
Dr. Colin Duckett, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc to Dr. Sarah Longo from the Department of Biology.
Dr. Longo's PI, Dr. Sheila Patek, wrote: "One year ago, Sarah joined my lab as a postdoc on a Department of Defense, Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative grant. Being a postdoc on this grant is an unusual and, for most postdocs, a somewhat terrifying experience. This team effort spans seven labs and innumerable areas including biology, engineering, polymer sciences and physics. Sarah came from a 100% biology laboratory, never having worked on a cross-disciplinary team, and was dropped right into this hot-bed of technical and cross-disciplinary interactions. Within weeks of her arrival, it became clear that Sarah is a rare talent, not only as a gifted scientist, but as someone who joyfully engages with the discomfort of working across disciplines. A mere few weeks into her job, she arrived with a calm and curious attitude, and immediately meshed with one of the key attributes of the team, which is to have a small ego and a willingness to be totally out of one’s comfort zone. She can handle intense interdisciplinary exchanges, and, perhaps most importantly, members of the team immediately gravitated toward her insightful questions and curiosity. Sarah has developed a novel and exciting postdoctoral research project that involves real-time analysis of elastic energy release and measurements of the power density of biological systems, such as trap-jaw ants and snapping shrimp. Just in the span of the year, she has developed a new system that is likely to yield a series of high-profile papers. In all of the postdoctoral researchers in my lab to date, I have never had someone take such a deep dive into a topic, work tirelessly across disciplines, and emerge, in the span of just one year, with a new system, new insights, and ultimately a research program that will ground her own lab when she eventually starts her faculty career. There has been another remarkable aspect to Sarah’s arrival in the lab – her effect on my lab members. She has been transformative for the people in my lab. She is curious about their projects, looks at details, and then dives in to help – whether with R coding, mathematical analyses of motion, or experimental rigs. She has such a delightful way of combining curiosity with rigor that the whole lab has been energized and excited. Sarah is a truly superlative postdoc."
A lab member writes: "As a recent undergraduate at my first job, I felt unqualified and awkward around the older students in our lab. However, as soon as Sarah started working with us, the whole dynamic changed. Sarah's easygoing nature, joyfulness, and ability to include everyone in a conversation made me feel like part of the lab. Sarah has also supported me when I face challenges. She has talked with me extensively about my research projects, and gotten excited about the twists and turns they take. Sarah awes me by the time she puts in to learning new concepts and techniques and I aspire to be as motivated and knowledgeable as she is, although it seems like an impossible goal. She supports everyone and somehow does all of her own work excellently as well."
A graduate student writes: "Despite her work on three projects, Sarah can always find time to sit down and help me. She is always there to listen and provide feedback on how to improve my methodology or suggest another research avenue to pursue. Sarah improves the quality of all research projects in the lab, not just her own."
A former undergrad who is now a grad student writes: "Sarah was an excellent mentor during my senior year as an undergrad and continues to mentor me as I begin my PhD program in Biology. Sarah has eased my transition by being patient and kind, while making sure my work is thorough and high-quality. I have had many graduate student and postdoctoral mentors, but Sarah has been the most effective, engaging, and influential mentor in developing my scientific curiosity and technical capabilities"
Dr. Okan Yurduseven, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dr. Lawrence Carin, Vice Provost for Research, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc toDr. Okan Yurduseven from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The award was accepted by Dr. Yurduseven's wife, Olena Aleksandrova and colleague Dr. Jonah Gollub. Dr. Yurduseven was nominated by his PI and many of his labmates. Dr. Yurduseven's PI, Dr. David Smith wrote: "Since Dr. Yurduseven started working at Duke University in May 2014, he has co-authored 41 peer-reviewed scientific papers, including 24 journal articles. Of those, he is the first author in 12 of these articles. Moreover, he has published 18 conference papers (first author in 10) and filed four provisional patent applications. In recognition of his efforts, he was invited to deliver an invited speech at the University of Cambridge on behalf of the Duke MetaImager research group. Particularly impressive is that Dr. Yurduseven has chaired two sessions at the European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2015); two sessions at the IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation (AP-S 2016); and three sessions at AP-S 2017. He will also deliver an invited talk at the European Microwave Week, again on behalf of the Duke team. Okan is an outstanding postdoctoral associate not only in his research activities but also in his mentoring. Despite his extremely busy research schedule, he always finds the time to help students. As an example, in his first year of postdoctoral appointment, he was approached by a graduate student who had no background in the field that he would be conducting his PhD. Under his guidance, the student published 4 journal papers with Dr. Yurduseven before the end of his second year. I have supervised many, many postdocs; Dr. Yurduseven is truly exemplary, and easily the best in terms of being able to address the design of an entire system. It is rare to find one individual who can manage all aspects and not be overwhelmed. Dr. Yurduseven is such an individual."
Another member of the group wrote: "Besides his outstanding research skills and publication achievements, Dr. Yurduseven is an enthusiastic mentor and easily approachable to students. He encourages initiative and asks tough questions with the purpose of encouraging students to think deeply about the problems at hand. He works as an equal with his colleagues and is always ready to transfer his experience and learn from others. I believe that academia needs more scientists like Dr. Okan Yurduseven."
A graduate student wrote: "Okan is the best mentor, and here is why. Okan says firstly, there is no such thing as talent, there is hard work, and many failed attempts resulting in one successful attempt. So, the more we try, the higher our probability of success. Second, any plan is flexible - if one thing does not work out, another may. Third, when a task seems impossible it can be split into sub-tasks. This simple strategy works for me because it allows me to keep my focus and achieve results. Okan also teaches me to do everything in a quality way. By quality he means the highest level I can achieve, so I can answer positively to the question of whether I have done all I could today. Importantly, our communication is a two way street – “We get smarter by teaching others”, he says. I consider myself lucky to be working with Okan."
Dr. Chris Nelson, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Lawrence Carin, Vice Provost for Research, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc to Dr. Chris Nelson from the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Nelson was nominated by his PI and many of his labmates.
Dr. Nelson's PI, Dr Charles Gersbach, wrote: "Chris has made a tremendous impact at Duke and beyond since arriving as a postdoc in my lab. Chris’s many accomplishments from graduate school (including an impressive 16 research publications, 8 review articles, and 5 patent applications), were an accurate harbinger of what he would accomplish as a postdoctoral fellow. In a relatively short time in my lab, Chris worked hard through several different technical challenges, and was able to submit a manuscript to Science only 15 months after joining my group, which was published in that journal earlier this year. The impact of the results is reflected in the widespread attention that the paper received, including highlights in The New York Times, The New England Journal of Medicine, Nature, BBC, and NIH Research Matters. As evidence of the translational impact of Chris’s work, we have been contacted by many biotech companies interested in his results. In fact, Duke is in the process of licensing Chris’s patent applications. I am certain that Chris will have a successful independent career in which he will mentor many students and postdoctoral fellows. The Outstanding Postdoc Award will honor the incredible contribution that Chris has made both through his internationally recognized research and his mentoring within Duke to support our students."
A graduate student wrote: "Since undergrad, I have worked in four different labs and been mentored by many people along the way. Chris is by far the best mentor that I have had. In addition to patiently teaching me lab techniques, he inspires me to think like a scientist and has become my role model on how to mentor. Chris’ insights always lead me to a broadened perspective. Even when he knows the answer to something, he teaches me how to figure it out myself so that next time I don’t need to ask. He makes me feel like part of the team and excited to own my part of the project."
An undergraduate wrote: "I have yet to find – in any of my research experiences at Duke or otherwise– a mentor who is as dedicated and engaged as Christopher Nelson. Dr. Nelson teaches me to be an independent researcher by giving me actual experience, instead of simply spoonfeeding me a “recipe.” Dr. Nelson has also taught me to think critically about accuracy and honesty in science. In every project, Dr. Nelson encourages me to be rigorous in my inquiry, stringent in my methods, and honest in my analysis. Needless to say, Dr. Nelson is generous with his time. He meets with me almost every week to check in, and comes in on some weekends simply to accommodate my schedule. Beyond the time he spends on me, he is also the go-to for many other undergraduates in the lab because he is so approachable, non-judgmental, and encouraging. I have always felt encouraged to discuss my new, sometimes half-baked ideas with Dr. Nelson, and he empowers me to question his reasoning about his project designs. Finally, Dr. Nelson is a mentor to me outside of research. He is truly invested in my future. Every semester, after we give each other performance reviews (yes, he insists that I give him a mentor review), his first question is about my well-being: am I stressed? Overcommitted? Unlike many other mentors I have had in the past, I feel that Dr. Nelson is genuinely my advocate. Dr. Nelson is a gift - to the Duke research community, to science, and to me."
2015 Outstanding Postdoc at Duke
Dr. Kathryn Dickerson,
Center for Cognitive Neuroscience
Dr. Raphael Valdivia, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented the 2015 Award for Outstanding Postdoc to Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Dickerson from the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience.
Dr. Dickerson's PI wrote: "Katie Dickerson has earned the best endorsement I can imagine for this award: her lab mates clamored for me to nominate her. Katie’s upbeat, direct approach is coupled with ingenuity, keen intelligence, and a true gift for clear-sighted and gracious communication. Katie makes it look easy, even when things are very hard. Katie has been deeply involved in mentoring the graduate students in the lab. Her ability to teach the process of being a scientist has given students exactly the right guidance to keep them on track with difficult projects. Graduate school is inherently hard and often dispiriting, so I cannot stress enough the value of Katie’s ability to offer both concrete instruction and social support for the students. I predict that when she leaves my laboratory she will continue to help everyone achieve superb science with tremendous translational impact, just as she is doing here, and make it look easy along the way."
One of the grad students who works with Dr. Dickerson wrote: "Kathryn Dickerson is hands-down THE BEST RESEARCH MENTOR I have ever observed. I consider myself very lucky to be one of the graduate students she has taken on as a mentee. Knowing I can go to Katie for help on everything from research to writing my dissertation has been a great resource (and comfort) in progressing towards my dissertation defense. Katie’s example has taught me a lot about how to better conduct research AND how to better conduct myself as a researcher."
Another grad student wrote:"Katie Dickerson is exactly type of postdoc that this award was designed to honor. From the moment she joined our lab 4 years ago, her warm presence and bottomless good cheer has been contagious. It's simply better in lab when Katie is there. I was particularly blessed in getting paired up with her on projects that eventually turned into my dissertation. And without hyperbole, I'm not sure I would have finished without her. At every stage, she was there offering helpful guidance, a critical eye for detail, and dedication to making sure everything stayed on track. When I was racing against the clock to complete data collection and analysis for the last chapter of my dissertation, Katie selflessly postponed a trip to the Bahamas in order to help me finish up. My last 4 years are full of experiences like that. And I was just one of five graduate students; everyone has similar anecdotes about her. We're all better scientists because of her guidance. More importantly, however, is what Katie offers as a friend and mentor. Over the last few years I've had more than my share of anxiety-riddled what-am-I-doing-with-my-life moments, and Katie has been there each time to listen, offer perspective, and invariably leave me feeling more optimistic. Her achievements over the last 4 years are a testament to her as a scientist; her ability to foster growth in those around her is a testament to her as a mentor. Combined, these are a testament to why she is a unique and outstanding postdoc."
Image
|
Image
|
Image
|
2014 Outstanding Postdocs at Duke: Duke Diversity Postdoc Alliance
Molly Starback, Director of the Duke Office of Postdoctoral Services, presented the 2014 Award for Outstanding Postdoc to not just one postdoc, but a group of postdocs: the Duke Diversity Postdoc Alliance (DPA). The Diversity Postdoc Alliance was launched in 2013 by three postdocs, Drs. Shraddha Desai, Argenia Doss and Tricia Wright.
Drs. Desai, Doss, and Wright recognized a need for increasing communication between postdocs and graduate students from diverse backgrounds, which they define broadly as underrepresented, international or from different fields of research within the Duke community. The Diversity Alliance has collaborated with the Office of Biomedical Graduate Diversity, the Duke Biosciences Collaborative for Research Engagement, the Office of Postdoctoral Services, and the Duke Postdoctoral Association to host networking events for postdocs and grad students from diverse backgrounds. The Diversity Alliance also joined with the UNC Minority Postdoc Alliance and the NCCU Postdoc Association to throw a Diversity Postdoc Mixer for postdocs from all over the Triangle.
2013 Outstanding Postdoc at Duke
Dr. Andrew C. Butler
Department of Psychology & Neuroscience
Dr. Anne West, Associate Professor of Neurobiology in the Duke School of Medicine, presented the 2013 Outstanding Postdoc Award to Dr. Andrew C. Butler in the Marsh Lab of the Duke Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.
One lab member who works with Dr. Butler wrote, "Andrew always wants to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Many people try to spend as little time as possible with the undergraduates (an unfortunate comment, but one I’m afraid is true) but Andy sets up a weekly meeting schedule and does an individualized reading schedule with each student. I believe he truly enjoys these meetings and he spends a large amount of time working with his undergraduates to help them write the best independent study (honors thesis) papers possible. Andy also has served on several thesis committees beyond the students he has directly mentored, and he is a fair questioner who at the same time always makes the students think."
2012 Outstanding Postdoc at Duke
Dr. Ronald McKell
Center for Brain Imaging & Analysis
Dr. Raphael Valdivia, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented the 2012 Award for Outstanding Postdoc to Dr. Ronald McKell from the Center for Brain Imaging & Analysis.
One lab member who works with Dr. Carter wrote, "McKell is incredibly kind and generous with his knowledge and his time. He has mentored countless graduate students, research assistants, and undergraduates, while at the same time being one of the hardest workers I've ever collaborated with, as well as an extremely active father and husband. It is inspirational to see how he makes the time to commit his focus and enthusiasm towards so many areas of his life."
Another labmate wrote of Dr. Carter, "Science is competitive, no matter what field you work in. This can sometimes cause people to hoard their experience and refuse to work with others under the fear that doing so may compromise their work. McKell’s willingness to help anyone in the lab that comes to him is the key to making him such an outstanding postdoc. Whether you’re a fellow postdoc in the lab, an aspiring grad student, or an associate in research, McKell will take time out of his busy schedule to sit down, listen to your problem, and help you as best as he can. This is not a trait you find in many work environments, let alone one in science. It’s this altruistic behavior that really makes McKell a natural leader and someone that others respect."
2011 Outstanding Postdoc at Duke
Dr. Hak Suk Chung
Department of Biochemistry
By any measure she would be an outstanding postdoc, but Dr. Chung has helped her lab rise above particularly sad and challenging circumstances: their mentor, Dr Christian Raetz, passed away in August 2011.
A former lab member wrote of Dr. Chung, "Having known Chris Raetz for the past 15 years, first as his graduate student, hak suk then as a post-doc, and finally as a colleague and friend, I have been privileged to hear his praises of Hak Suk on numerous occasions. I can say without hesitation that Chris would have written this nomination himself were he able. Hak Suk is, according to a letter written in July for her by Chris, 'an extraordinarily talented and hard-working scientist, who is also an outstanding mentor for young graduate students and new members of the lab.'"
A graduate student and labmate wrote: "Hak Suk has shown an unmatchable intellectual curiosity that, when paired with her devotion for experimentation, has made her the most productive member of our laboratory. To the rest of the lab, Hak Suk represents much more than a productive pair of hands. She has been a continuous mentor to undergraduates, graduate students, and fellow postdocs. It seems as if every conversation between members of our lab ends with a decision to consult Hak Suk. Over the past year, Hak Suk’s role as mentor and 'den mother' to the Raetz lab has become increasingly essential. Hak Suk’s impact on our lab is clear: she is the single greatest factor in our ability to continue Prof. Raetz’s work. Hak Suk has proven an invaluable source of lab cohesion, personal support, and experimental advice. She serves not only as a mentor we are lucky to have, but a friend we could never do without."
2010 Outstanding Postdoc at Duke
Dr. Suzanne McGaugh
Department of Biology
Dr. McGaugh’s mentor, Mohamed Noor, wrote of her, “She's moved in a year from being an evolutionary and physiological ecologist to a widely respected genomic bioinformatician and geneticist. I have never seen anyone so adept at such a broad swath of biology! Within the laboratory, Suzanne is a brilliant, scholarly, and friendly resource. If I had to summarize Suzanne in a word, it'd be ‘determination.’ If I had to summarize Suzanne in 2 words, they'd be ‘utterly irreplaceable.’ I cannot sufficiently express how fortunate I feel to have her in my lab.”
One of Suzanne’s lab mates wrote: “Suzanne embodies all of the qualities that this award seeks to honor. She is a determined and tireless advocate, undaunted by any obstacle, whether it’s teaching herself a new computer programming language, or setting up a server for our lab. She inspires and encourages others around her to persevere to success. And while she is extremely dedicated to her work, Suzanne also serves as a role model for a healthy work/life balance. Suzanne McGaugh is an excellent example of an outstanding postdoc.”
2009 Outstanding Postdoc at Duke
Dr. Mélanie Auffan
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Dr Auffan's mentor, Dr. Mark Weisner, wrote: "Dr. Auffan combines outstanding science with dedication to student mentoring. Her work in the laboratory has spanned traditional environmental engineering with work in the life sciences. Her work has required her to develop methodologies where virtually none have existed. As a result she has played a vital role in bringing together faculty and students from widely differing disciplines. In the 18 months she has been at Duke, she has published or had accepted 6 papers based on her work since coming here, including an upcoming paper in Nature Nanotechnology. Dr. Auffan has also given generously of her time in mentoring graduate students, undergraduates, and high school students. She has lectured in several of my classes and to outside groups concerning her research and the broader topic of environmental nanotechnology, and took the lead in organizing a conference between French and US researchers on the topic of nanotechnology."
Mélanie was selected in 2009 for France's highly competitive search for a permanent position with the French National Scientific Research Center. She joined the European Center for Research and Education in Geosciences and the Environment in late 2009. Mélanie is truly an outstanding postdoc, not just for her research skills, but for giving back to the community by teaching and mentoring
2008 Outstanding Postdoc at Duke
Dr. Joshua Carter
Department of Chemistry
Dr Carter's mentor, Dr. Thomas LaBean, wrote: "Josh possesses an impressive range of interdisciplinary research skills, including materials characterization and molecular biology, as well as synthetic and analytical chemistry. I have repeatedly been impressed with Josh's ability to reach outside his previous experience and implement new solutions to difficult experimental challenges. In addition to his bench science prowess, Dr. Carter displays a relaxed, easy leadership style with the younger members of the group, and has acted as lead mentor for the research projects of local high school students from Project SEED. Despite the costs in time and effort, Dr. Carter cheerfully gives of himself to provide a profitable research experience for these young students."
Not only did Josh's labmates provide written testimonials praising his excellence in teaching, mentoring, and research, they were so enthusiastic about him that they created a video in his honor! Josh's nominations demonstrate that he is truly an outstanding postdoc, whose success in research is complemented by his service to the University and the larger community.
Dr. Siobhan Brady, Department of Biology
Dr. Tim Griffin, Department of Surgery
In 2007, we are delighted to honor not one, but two, Outstanding Postdocs: Dr. Siobhan Brady of the Department of Biology and Dr. Tim Griffin of the Department of Surgery. Both Dr. Brady and Dr. Griffin were nominated by numerous current and former research group members and their faculty mentors.
Dr. Sally Kornbluth, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented the awards for Outstanding Postdoc to Drs. Brady and Griffin.
Dr. Siobhan Brady
Dr. Sally Kornbluth, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented two awards for Outstanding Postdoc in 2007. In alphabetical order, the first recipient was Dr. Siobhan Brady from Dr Philip Benfey’s lab in the Department of Biology. One of her nominations read, “Dr Brady’s research in transcription factor expression patterns has yielded innovative ways to approach expression research. In all, her two years of research at Duke have yielded six first author papers. Dr Brady currently has four collaborations with laboratories in the United States and abroad, ranging from developmental genetics to computational biology and bioinformatics. What is incredible about Siobhan is that she accomplishes all of her research while managing undergraduate independent research students and summer students. Within the past two years, she has mentored six students, all of whom completed their projects with posters, theses, or both. No matter how busy she is, she is never too busy to stop and answer questions, always with a big smile. Siobhan is not only active in the lab, but also in the community. She has volunteered at Rogers-Herr Middle School, teaching genetics to seventh graders, and she volunteers at marathons and races, including the Susan Komen Race for the Cure.”
Dr. Tim Griffin
Dr. Kornbluth presented the second award to Dr Tim Griffin from the Department of Surgery. Dr. Griffin’s mentor, Dr Farshid Guilak, wrote: “Tim is the ‘walk-on-water’ type of postdoc that we all dream of. His ability to learn in multiple areas has made him a uniquely trained scientist with expertise in subjects including physiology, biomechanics, bioengineering, and biological anthropology. As a scientist, he has a balanced view of every question, and so is able to reach conclusions through the data without any bias. He is able to manage and direct a number of different projects at the same time, all performed with the utmost care and precision. He is able to accomplish so much because of his clear and organized way of thinking, but also because of his ability to communicate and collaborate with others. He spends significant time mentoring undergrads, med students, and junior post-docs in our group. Tim has the characteristics of a true leader – he is exceptionally smart; he is confident yet unassuming; he is an outstanding writer and speaker; and he is highly ambitious. He is a team player who is always willing to help others and mentor younger members of the lab.”
2006 Outstanding Postdoc at Duke
Dr. Xiaopeng Zhao
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Zhao received nominations from his mentor, from a student in one of his classes, and from an officer of Sigma Xi, the professional society he serves in. Dr. Zhao's research used techniques of nonlinear dynamics to study the mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation, and he has established an excellent record of publication. All three of Dr. Zhao's nominators praised not only his research achievements, but also his service, teaching, and mentoring activities at Duke.
2006 Outstanding Postdoc Leader at Duke
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson
Department of Neurobiology
Vice Provost for Research and Professor of Biology, Dr. James Siedow, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc Leader to Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, president of the Duke University Postdoctoral Association. Dr. Siedow described Dr. Johnson as a force for positive change for postdocs on the Duke campus. He noted that Dr. Johnson had been instrumental in crafting the new postdoc policy, which mandated a minimum salary level and provided equal access to health insurance regardless of source of funding. Dr. Johnson also led the effort to establish the new postdoc office at Duke, and built DUPA from a relatively small group into a well-organized team that hosted numerous professional and social events for Duke postdocs. Needless to say, Dr. Johnson did all of this while maintaining her own research in the Fitzpatrick Lab of the Department of Neurobiology.
Previous Outstanding Postdoc Mentors
Dr. Akhenaton-Andrew Dhafir Jones, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
The 2023 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor is Dr. Akhenaton-Andrew Dhafir Jones, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Christopher Freel, Associate Vice President for Research & Innovation, presented the award.
One of Dr Jones’ postdoc nominators writes: From the instant I became a part of the Jones research group, I was deeply impressed by Dr Jones’ passion for scientific exploration and his dedication to nurturing the professional growth of his proteges. It was this unwavering dedication that led me to choose this postdoctoral position over a more lucrative opportunity in industry. His mentorship goes far beyond the lab or the office; he has created a nurturing and inclusive environment where intellectual curiosity thrives, and each member of the team is encouraged to excel. His mentorship style is characterized by a balance between hands-on support and the freedom to explore and innovate. Under his guidance, I completed three papers, successfully authored a K99 grant proposal, and explored career and entrepreneurial opportunities aligned with my interests. He has consistently advocated for our career development, ensuring that we have the tools to succeed in academia and beyond. His guidance has not only helped us become better researchers but also better educators, collaborators, and leaders. When I disclosed my pregnancy news to him, I was met with genuine excitement and wholehearted support for both my personal journey and career aspirations, as well as my family's well-being. His understanding and flexibility during this important phase of my life reinforced my confidence in our team's collaborative spirit and its dedication to accommodating the diverse needs of its members. Furthermore, as a woman working in this field, I have seldom witnessed a male supervisor who put forth such concerted effort to champion gender equality and empower female leadership within his team and the wider academic sphere. In addition, he has also been a staunch advocate for supporting members of minority and international communities, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. His mentorship has indeed been nothing short of transformative, and I consider myself exceedingly fortunate to have been granted the privilege of working under his guidance.
Dr. Ashutosh Chilkoti, Department of Biomedical Engineering
The 2022 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor is Dr. Ashutosh Chilkoti, Alan L. Kaganov Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Colin Duckett, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented the award.
A current postdoc wrote: When I met Tosh as a graduate student, I already had a postdoc position at another university and was determined to go there. However, Tosh's energy and his willingness to listen to my thoughts persuaded me to come to Duke. He allowed me to pursue various directions based on my interests. When I applied for the K99, Tosh put huge effort into my training plan. HE REALLY CARES! That is the best thing about him as a mentor.
A former postdoc, now Associate Professor at Syracuse University, wrote: I met Tosh for the first time during a materials conference. I was a polymer chemist by training--with zero background in molecular biology and biochemistry--and yet, I was fascinated when Tosh delivered a thrilling, fast-paced presentation. I approached him after his talk and discussed my work. He was gracious with his time, and a few weeks later, there I was as a new lab member.
When I asked his opinion on what project to pursue, he simply told me to follow my passion and to learn what I needed on the project. The rest is history. In two years, I published my first Nature Chemistry paper, showing the promise of these modifications for materials science applications. A year later, I started my independent career, and in less than four years, I was promoted to associate professor with tenure. At first glance, I know that my story may not appear unique at a world-class institution such as Duke, which always has a cadre of talented postdocs with trajectories much steeper than mine. When things work out, it is easy to take the postdoc-mentor relationship for granted. It was only when I started my own lab that I realized the challenge of ensuring postdoc success while accomplishing the lab's research mission. I now have a much deeper appreciation of my freedom to pursue challenging ideas and projects in Tosh's lab. More importantly, Tosh was there to support me whenever I needed his help, whether it was a confounding experimental result or a fear of an unknown future in the wake of the infamous travel ban. He always found time in his busy schedule for us, even while chairing the largest department at Pratt School of Engineering.
A former postdoc, now Associate Professor at University of Utah, wrote: To me, Professor Chilkoti is an exceptional mentor because he exemplifies what a first-class scientist and professor should be: visionary, strategic in managing science and research team, and importantly, caring for the growth of trainees. I joined Professor Chilkoti's group with a background of immunology and protein chemistry, which was not necessarily in line with main research themes of the group. However, Professor Chilkoti recognized the importance of investigating immunological properties of biomaterials before the biomaterial research field embraced the idea. He encouraged me to conduct research on this area, which tremendously helped research programs in his lab as well as my own lab later. When I applied for the K99, Professor Chilkoti carefully reviewed my training and professional development plans. When I told him that my application scored well, he was very excited for me. I know he is truly happy for the successes of his trainees.
A former postdoc, now Distinguished Scientist at Medtronic, wrote: I was luckily hired as a postdoc by Dr. Chilkoti. Within one year, we had accomplished four papers published in different prestigious journals, including one cover story, and three US patents. Dr. Chilkoti is the extraordinary postdoc mentor who inspires and leads his team with his clear vision disrupting, evolving multidisciplinary bio-interface science and technology. The professional training I received from Dr. Chilkoti was the cornerstone of my own career.
Dr. Terrie Moffitt, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Dr. Avshalom Caspi, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
The 2019 Outstanding Postdoc Mentors are Drs. Terrie Moffitt and Avshalom Caspi from the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience. Drs. Moffitt and Caspi were unable to attend, so Dr. Colin Duckett, Vice Dean for Basic Science, presented the award to two of their postdoctoral mentees, Drs. Leah Richmond-Rakerd and Jasmin Wertz.
A former postdoc in the lab, now an Assistant Professor, writes: Terrie Moffitt and Avshalom Caspi, or Temi and Av as their colleagues and friends know them, are not only outstanding postdoc mentors at Duke, they are likely the best postdoc mentors anywhere. They run a big team, and at any given moment they have several postdoc mentees. Still, Temi and Av blocked two full hours every week to meet with me (and every other one of their postdocs) to review projects, critique writing, and plan career steps. I learned how to conduct rigorous research, how to think about analysis and data presentation, and became a much better writer. Even better, their kindness and affection makes one feel at home. They invite us all to celebrate holidays with them, and they remember to celebrate the big and small events in work and in life for all of us in the lab. Temi and Av were not only the best postdoc mentors I could wish for professionally, they also became my family away from home.
Another postdoc, now Assistant Professor, writes: Moffitt and Caspi are exceptionally generous mentors. They invest extraordinary time in their people. And they provide a model of how a senior academic can remain deeply engaged in day to day research and have fun doing it. They cultivate a research Eden in their lab.
Another postdoc, now Assistant Professor, writes: The training and support I received from Temi and Av did not end with my postdoc. After leaving the nest, Temi and Av continued their mentoring, under their policy of “trainee for life.” I regularly call on them with questions about projects, papers, funding, tenure and promotion. One additional and very meaningful component of their mentorship is they model and encourage work-life balance for their trainees. I had two young children under the age of 5 when I was a postdoc for Temi and Av. They made my career as a mother and a scientist seamless and easy. I won the lottery by getting the opportunity to work with Temi and Av.
A current postdoc writes: In addition to facilitating their postdocs’ research development, Temi and Av emphasize the importance of work-life balance. I had my first child halfway through my postdoc, and I was blown away by Temi and Av’s incredible support, including regular supportive messages, a lovely baby shower, and a huge amount of openness and flexibility when it came to fitting work around my family commitments (e.g., I was more than welcome to attend meetings with baby in tow). Professors Moffitt and Caspi are invested in their postdoc’s personal wellbeing, and it shows in their behavior.
Another current postdoc writes: Temi and Av have fostered many successful researchers, and I feel so incredibly lucky to work with them – of course, because this is a unique opportunity to work with such distinguished researchers, but mostly because getting to know Temi and Av has been such a fun experience! They constantly support us in all aspects of research and career development, while still making sure we have fun every step of the way. I honestly cannot think of a better place in the whole wide world to do my postdoc.
Dr. Seok-Yong Lee, Department of Biochemistry
Dr. Colin Duckett, Vice Dean for Basic Sciences, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc Mentor to Dr. Seok-Yong Lee from the Department of Biochemistry.
A postdoc in the Lee lab writes: "Dr. Seok-Yong Lee is a uniquely devoted, assiduous, and supportive mentor. Over the course of a four-year postdoctoral tenure in his laboratory, I have become a more capable, confident, inquisitive, and impassioned scientist, both by following his example and by responding to his guidance and constructive criticisms. His steadfast approach to science has been an incredible inspiration to me; he has encouraged me to tackle challenging scientific problems and to use the most rigorous and thorough methods of addressing them. He has also taught me the power of patience and diligence in the face of a scientific challenge. For example, in my second year as a postdoctoral fellow, we submitted our work to Nature and it was fortunately sent out for review. The referees provided very positive feedback on all aspects of the work, except for a major enzymatic assay we employed in the study. They suggested that our paper should be rejected on the grounds of this critique. However, the editor gave us the opportunity to repeat this portion of the work using another technique if we so desired. Feeling very dejected at the prospect of redoing a year’s worth of experiments, I suggested to Dr. Lee that we pull the paper from consideration in Nature and instead submit it elsewhere, perhaps to a lower impact journal. He understood my frustration, but encouraged me to brainstorm alternative techniques we could use to repeat the work in a timely manner. He saw that this roadblock actually offered us a great opportunity: most scientists working in the field were using a low-throughput and resource-intensive assay to interrogate enzyme activity, while we presented a more efficient alternative. If we could demonstrate to the referees that both techniques yielded similar results, we had an opportunity to advance the field more broadly and to thereby encourage more publication in this area. We jointly devised a strategy. I performed some key experiments using both techniques in addition to a third orthogonal biophysical method, all of which yielded consistent results. These data unequivocally demonstrated to the referees that both techniques were valid. We were able to publish our work in Nature, which was the most appropriate venue for our findings, as they influenced the direction of the field, both in a conceptual and technical sense. Dr. Lee’s focused attitude toward scientific inquiry and sense of integrity has influenced me on a personal level as well. Dr. Lee has been incredibly supportive, kind-hearted, and understanding during difficult times in my life. He of course gave me the time, space, and resources I needed to get back on my feet. But he also encouraged me to see science as a kind of escape during personal struggles. He helped me understand that the pursuit of scientific knowledge is a source of fascination and joy, which can be transcendent in times of difficulty. I am very thankful to have worked with Dr. Lee, from both a scientific and personal perspective, and I whole-heartedly endorse him as outstanding postdoctoral mentor."
Dr. John Aldrich, Department of Political Science
Dr. David Rohde, Department of Political Science
Dr. Raphael Valdivia, Vice Dean for Basic Sciences, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc Mentor to Dr. John Aldrich and Dr. David Rohde. Dr. Aldrich is the Pfizer-Pratt University Professor of Political Science. Dr. Rohde is the Ernestine Friedl Professor of Political Science. For the past 15 years, John and Dave have jointly run the "Political Institutions and Public Choice" (PIPC) lab, in which they bring together postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, high school students, and faculty. Drs Aldrich and Rohde were nominated by numerous current and former members of the PIPC lab, and by the Chair of the department. Dr Georg Vanberg, Chair of Political Science, wrote: "One aspect that consistently impresses me about Dave and John is the tremendous effort, care, and time they put into mentoring their postdocs. John and Dave are generous in sharing their intellectual gifts, expertise, and time with their postdocs to improve their work, and to embed them in networks that will be critical to their academic success. This is truly selfless work, not rewarded by any publication on their vita. Like many disciplines, political science suffers from an underrepresentation of women in faculty ranks, and -- unfortunately -- many women experience a lack of mentorship during their graduate school careers. Dave and John have focused on this issue, and have been very active in providing postdoctoral opportunities and outstanding mentoring to junior women in our field."
A current postdoc wrote: "Dave and John believe that the laboratory-team model of research and teaching, prevalent in the natural sciences and rarer in the social sciences, is a valuable and effective model for training students in political science. Individually, Dave and John are exceptional mentors. Dave takes obvious joy in mentoring students and scholars. His door is always open and I consistently walk out of his office with greater clarity of thought than when I entered it. John is unfailingly committed to his students’ personal and professional success. More than once, he’s told me that his favorite part of his job is mentoring PhD students and postdocs. I have learned more in the space of a single conversation with John, than I have over semester-long courses. For me, being a postdoc in the social sciences could have been, as it is for many people, an isolating experience. Because of Dave and John, my experience has been anything but isolating. John and Dave have provided support and encouragement beyond what I imagined possible when I accepted this position. I am overjoyed to acknowledge all the good Dave and John have done for me and their other postdocs."
A former postdoc, now Assistant Professor, wrote: "As a postdoc, it’s hard to imagine a better environment to work in than PIPC. Individually, the position gave me crucial time to work on my research, but the space itself also created a vibrant environment for curious researchers to come together. John and Dave have been incredible mentors to me and many others. One reason is they lead by example. They show you, rather than tell you, academic lessons and life lessons. I am so grateful for their continued encouragement and support."
Another former postdoc, now Assistant Professor, wrote: "The names John Aldrich and Dave Rohde are recognized throughout the discipline for the enormous impact they have had on the study of American politics. What may be less appreciated is their deep commitment to the development of postdocs. Their kindness, generosity, and patience helped me (and countless others) to become the scholar I am today. They always made time to meet with me, and always offered sage advice. The PIPC program is an open, welcoming environment for fostering scholars. While John and Dave’s scholarly accomplishments are awe inspiring, they pale in comparison to their kindness and generosity. I am profoundly thankful for these years of mentorship and friendship."
Dr. Jerry Reiter, Department of Statistical Science
Dr. Raphael Valdivia, Vice Dean for Basic Sciences, presented the award for Outstanding Postdoc Mentor to Dr. Jerry Reiter, Professor of Statistical Science, Principal Investigator of the Triangle Census Research Network, and Deputy Director of the Information Initiative at Duke. Dr. Reiter was nominated by numerous current and former lab members.
A current postdoc wrote: "Jerry has been a wonderful mentor to me. When I first arrived as a postdoc, he frequently made suggestions on areas he thought could be worth exploring, but he also very much encouraged me to find my own way and pursue my own interests. At first, this was a bit hard - in some ways I just wanted someone to tell me what to work on. Now, 2 years later, I am very grateful to Jerry for giving me the freedom to explore, always with my best interests at heart. I now feel confident in my own ability to discover research topics and see them through, skills that are necessary in academia or as a principal investigator in any field."
Another postdoc wrote: "One of Jerry's best qualities as a mentor is that he always makes decisions that are in the best interest of his students and postdocs. He always makes time to meet and always gives opportunities to make ourselves a place in the scientific community. Lastly, Jerry is a great example of work-life balance, and he encourages us to find our own balance as well. He is a devoted husband and father, with two young children who he adores, and he plays a very active role in their lives. This is encouraging to see, because as a woman in science who wants to have children, I have often felt skeptical of my ability to have a family, my own hobbies, and a successful academic career. Jerry has shown me that this is not only possible, but it can be a rewarding way to live your life."
A former postdoc, now professor, wrote: "I was a postdoc supervised by Jerry and have just become an assistant professor. My years at Duke are full of thankful memories because of my mentor, Jerry Reiter. As a successful researcher, he was willing to pass down all his knowledge to postdocs. He taught me not only research, teaching and writing skills, but also his passion to change the world into a better place. I want to express my special thanks to Jerry for giving me guidance for personal life matters. Unlike other "very productive" researchers, he emphasizes the importance of family and work/life balance. Like other postdocs, I spent a large amount of time on research, but I also could manage my own schedule and spend meaningful time with my family. Jerry trusts his postdocs, and that trust builds a strong bond."
Another postdoc wrote: "Professor Reiter is one of the most important researchers in the statistics field - his work speaks for itself. So I'd rather focus on my experiences with him as a mentor. In my opinion, an ideal mentor is someone who is willing to advise his pupils about academic life with total honesty, sharing all the knowledge he has acquired through years of experience. Professor Reiter is, by far, the mentor who has been closer to this ideal definition. He is always willing to work with his pupils, side by side. Some mentors get disappointed if a postdoc decides to work in industry instead of academia. Jerry is supportive of any decision postdocs might make and provides support no matter which direction you take. His understanding and respect for differences have not only helped me personally but also makes interdisciplinary work possible. Finally, he is a role model as a mentor. He has taught me that it is possible to obtain very good results without being mean and unfriendly. He comes to work with a smile every day and makes the life of a postdoc easier and happier."
2015 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Philip Benfey
Department of Biology
Dr Lawrence Carin, Vice Provost for Research, presented the 2015 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor Award to Dr. Philip Benfey. Dr. Benfey is the Paul Kramer Professor of Biology and director of the Duke Center for Systems Biology. He is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Dr Benfey was nominated by numerous current and former lab members.
One of Dr. Benfey's postdocs wrote: "Philip Benfey is the epitome of an outstanding postdoc mentor. Despite leading an incredibly busy life, Philip is always available to his lab. He is patient and understanding about issues big and small, and never diminishes the concerns of his postdocs. As both an academic and biotech business founder, Philip is uniquely situated to mentor different scientific career paths. He creates an environment which rewards creativity and team work while developing the next generation of leaders."
Another postdoc wrote: "Philip is highly supportive of both our scientific and personal lives. He is unique in that he does not care what one does after leaving, just that you are successful, and success does not just mean being a professor, it can also mean going to industry. He realizes this is part of a journey and his job is to make the best scientist and person out of each of us. My wife and I agree that Philip doesn't really walk - he kind of floats a few feet above the ground."
A former postdoc, now professor, wrote: "In our field Philip has probably produced more professors and industry professionals worldwide than any other PI. Furthermore he has managed to foster a supportive, warm, family-friendly environment that is extremely supportive of women in science. I was considering leaving science before I started my postdoc, but joining the Benfey lab changed my life. I published well, I was exposed to a wide variety of disciplines and ways of thinking, and I was treated by Philip as an equal and as a colleague. As a postdoc and even still now as a faculty member, if I have a question he will email me back immediately. His legacy lives on in the large number of postdocs he trained who are now among the next generation of leaders in plant biology and systems biology."
Another former postdoc, now professor, wrote: "Philip gives postdocs the freedom to develop their own projects and treats every member of the lab with equal respect and courtesy. His fairness creates a sense of collaboration and community in the lab, and inhibits competition. I am currently an Assistant Professor, and I try to emulate this as head of my own lab. I conducted my graduate studies in a small lab, so when I joined the Benfey lab I struggled to find my place in such a large, fast paced environment. Philip never doubted me and always had confidence in my abilities. That trust and support has been invaluable to me, and it is one of the reasons I had the courage to apply for and accept a faculty position at a large research institution. I would not be where I am today if not for my experience in the Benfey lab, not only because of the scientific acumen I gained from working with him, but also because of rich network of friends and colleagues his lab fosters."
2014 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Mohamed Noor
Earl D. McLean Professor and Chair
Department of Biology
Dr. Lawrence Carin, Vice Provost for Research, presented the 2014 award for Outstanding Postdoc Mentor to Dr. Mohamed Noor, Earl D. McLean Professor and Chair of the Duke Department of Biology. Dr. Noor was elected president of the Society for the Study of Evolution and the American Genetic Association, and was awarded the Darwin-Wallace Medal in 2008. He has received numerous teaching and mentoring awards, including most recently the Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award. He unfailingly provides support and encouragement, not only to graduate students and postdocs, but to the offices that work with these populations, including the Office of Postdoctoral Services and Graduate Student Affairs. Importantly, Dr. Noor actively supports postdocs who wish to pursue non-academic careers as well as those following the traditional academic route.
Dr Noor was nominated by numerous current and former lab members. A former postdoc, now professor, wrote, "Mohamed was an amazing postdoctoral advisor. His spirit and enthusiasm is unrivaled and his dedication to his mentees is truly amazing. He is extremely busy with service, teaching, and research, but his postdocs would never know it because he is nearly always accessible. This communicated to me, and to everyone else, that he values and respects us, and that is one of the best gifts an advisor can provide. Mohamed is not just one of the most amazing postdoctoral advisors, he is probably the most amazing person I have had the privilege of knowing."
Another former postdoc wrote, "Mohamed was extremely supportive during my postdoc years. Not only did he encourage (and expect) me to think independently and develop my own research, he actively mentored me on aspects related to running a lab (like balancing a budget) to prepare me for the job. When I was on the job market, Mohamed wrote me wonderful letters of support, and forwarded them on to me. I re-read those letters to boost my spirits whenever I'm feeling discouraged. But the mentoring didn't stop after I received a job. Mohamed continues to be an amazing mentor. I cannot think of a person more deserving of this award."
2013 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Warren Grill
Addy Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Mark Dewhirst, Associate Dean for Faculty Mentoring, presented the award for the 2013 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor to Dr. Warren Grill from the Department of Biomedical Engineering. A postdoc wrote, "Dr. Grill consistently encourages his postdocs. At every small victory along the way in my research, Dr. Grill made time to stop and tell me 'Great work!', 'Excellent job!', or some other encouraging word. Dr. Grill writes us 'thank you' cards expressing his appreciation for our efforts and the contributions we make to our team’s success throughout the year."
Another postdoc said, "I have always been amazed with Warren's ability to balance things. He balances giving direction without being a micromanager. He balances his time so he is available to all his students and postdocs with being an excellent teacher, and continually winning grants. And he balances being an excellent mentor and friend. There is no better candidate for Outstanding Postdoc Mentor than Warren Grill."
2012 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Adam Wax
Theodore Kennedy Professor
Department of Biomedical Engineering
A former postdoc of Dr. Wax wrote, "Adam respects and trusts his group members and creates space for them to be their own boss, yet he cares about their development and knows the perfect timing to step in to guide and help. He is easily available almost all the time, and would regularly spend time in the lab talking with me and other members about ideas and experiments. He is never a micromanager, yet he made great efforts to keep himself up-to-date on our progresses, needs, and even small technical details, just so he could share his thoughts with us and be a great resource.
"In addition to helping me progress in knowledge and skills, Adam always encouraged me to build network. He introduced me to every visitor to the lab so I could interact with them. He encouraged me to attend a wide variety of conferences just to network with people. In 2011 and 2012, I presented results of my independent research at major conferences in the field with full support from Adam. This is the kind of crucial support a postdoc mentee needs the most to prepare for an independent career."
2011 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Richard Mooney
George Barth Geller Professor
Department of Neurobiology
Dr. Mooney has risen above exceptionally sad and stressful circumstances: the untimely death of his own close friend and colleague, Dr. Larry Katz, in 2005. One of Dr. Mooney's postdocs wrote: "Larry ran a superb and vibrant lab in the Department of Neurobiology. When he passed, Rich immediately began to advocate for Larry’s students, taking one graduate student and two postdocs into his lab. This almost doubled the size of his lab and brought with it the responsibility of becoming an expert in a new field so that he could advise these new trainees on the projects that they brought with them. Rich was able to expertly shepherd these students through this stressful period, and all three got excellent academic positions....The fact that he took on such an enormous responsibility without compromising his support, enthusiasm and attention to other students and postdocs in the lab is truly remarkable. Rich stands as a model to the Duke community and I am proud to have him as a mentor, colleague and good friend."
Another of his postdocs wrote: "Rich thinks the world of his lab members, including his postdocs, and he is intensely devoted to their development as outstanding, successfully, and happy independent scientists. I can attest that every single postdoc I have seen come through Rich’s lab during the last five years has gone on to attain a successful position in research. Rich has recruited a number of postdocs to his lab over the years, and it is a testament to his dedication as a mentor that all of these people are successfully working in the field that they love. This fact sets Rich apart from many other postdoc mentors: although he very much wants all of his postdocs to continue in science, he also is supportive of whatever career choice meets your personal definition of success and fulfillment. Rich’s example as a mentor to his postdocs will continue to shape my development as a scientist and, eventually, as a mentor to my own lab."
2010 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Thomas Petes
Minnie Geller Professor
Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Dr Petes was nominated by several of his current and former lab members. One of his postdocs wrote: “Dr. Thomas Petes is not only a brilliant scientist, he is very willing to share his expertise with the post-docs and students around him. He has an open-door policy and will always make time for anyone who has a question, and will patiently discuss the issue until it’s resolved. He truly cares about helping everyone understand the research and why they are doing what they are doing. It is rare to find successful, driven, motivated scientists who are also caring mentors. I feel extremely grateful to have Dr. Petes as my post-doc advisor. I would not have been successful without his care and guidance!”
A former postdoc wrote: “Tom's mentorship of postdocs and graduate students is outstanding, and he has a long record of trainees with successful research careers. His enthusiasm and joy in what he does spills over into the entire lab group, keeping everyone motivated. When I was ready to leave the lab for my own independent faculty position, Tom was extremely generous with letting me develop a research program based on ideas that grew out of research in his lab. Tom is truly an exceptional mentor and a friend.” The faculty, administration, and staff of Duke University extend a hearty THANK YOU to all of our postdocs. We are proud to honor your achievements in research, mentoring, and teaching!
2009 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Deborah Gold
Associate Professor of Medical Sociology
Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Sociology, and Psychology
Dr Gold was nominated by a group of her current and former postdocs. The nominations were uniformly enthusiastic and heartfelt, and all of her postdocs attended to cheer Dr Gold on as she accepted her award! Dr Gold's nominations read, in small part: "Dr. Gold encourages us, by example, to see beyond the boundaries of our various fields, and teaches us how to interact with researchers from other disciplines. She is unflagging in her recognition that work/life balance is crucial to maintaining one's quality of life in an academic setting. Her generosity of spirit and her enthusiasm for scholarship and human capacity building are assets to Duke's community of scholars. She always takes the time to recognize our accomplishments, no matter how small they seem to us. And she never misses an opportunity to market us and our potential within and beyond the walls of Duke. Being an exceptional mentor to one postdoc is a feat; being an exceptional mentor to as many as a dozen at one time is a marvel!"
2008 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Emily Bernhardt
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
In her short time at Duke, Emily has served as mentor for four postdocs. They praised her for: "going out of her way to help us develop as scientists, challenging us to describe the larger significance of our research, and always emphasizing the importance of making our work relevant to science and society, which increases the chances of our manuscripts getting published in high-profile journals." Dr Bernhardt was also praised for her support for women in science and her commitment to increasing the numbers of minorities in ecology.
2007 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Joseph Nevins
Director, Center for Applied Genomics & Technology
Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy
Dr. Nevins was praised not only for his research successes, but for “having an open door policy, always making himself available on Saturdays, repeatedly helping to polish talks, tirelessly revising manuscripts, encouraging presentations at meetings, shielding postdocs from bureaucratic issues, and providing frantic rides to the airport in his sweet sports car.” Over 27 years, Dr Nevins has mentored over 60 postdocs, and virtually all have gone on to research positions at leading companies and universities including Tufts, Penn, Vanderbilt, and Merck. In an interdisciplinary center like IGSP, the variety of backgrounds and future career trajectories are endless, and Dr Nevins has worked carefully with each of his postdocs to prepare them for their unique careers.
2006 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor at Duke
Dr. Farsh Guilak
Director, Orthopaedic Bioengineering Laboratory
Department of Surgery
Dr. Guilak's nominators praised him as someone who mentors by example as a lab leader, a scientist, and a father. Dr. Guilak manages a lab of 28 students, postdocs, and staff, is the Editor in Chief of a major journal, serves as the PI for numerous grants, and is in the midst of developing a start-up company. Despite these responsibilities, he has steadfastly supported, challenged, and encouraged his postdocs as they develop their own research paths. He meets with his postdocs regularly and provides annual reviews of their individual development plans, provides grant application recommendations and support (all five of his postdocs have their own funding), and he has an open-door policy that allows for frequent advice and discussion.