Students apply for yourself to receive:

Nominate your Faculty Mentor to receive:

Only nominations from students are accepted

Distinguished Undergraduate Research Mentor Award

We are a prestigious R1 institution with faculty that provide exceptional research experiences for undergraduates. Faculty mentors play a key role in the research experience, aiding in the professional and personal growth of student researchers. This award gives students the opportunity to recognize their outstanding faculty research mentors.

Eligibility for Nominators

• Current USC undergraduate student on any campus (or within six months post-graduation).
• Engaged in research with nominated faculty mentor for at least one semester through volunteering, academic credit, or grant funding.

Eligibility for Nominees

• Faculty member on any USC campus who is also an undergraduate research mentor.
  • Although exceptional mentoring happens at all levels in a research team, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students are not eligible for this award.
• Faculty may only receive this award one time. 
  • Review the list of prior recipients below. 

Nominations

To nominate your faculty research mentor for the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Mentor Award, please complete and submit this form by Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM. 

There are questions that require 350-500 words for applications to be considered. When completing your nomination, provide detailed responses and include specific examples. Your nomination holds significant weight in considering your mentor for this award and will be read by the review committee. 

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Excellence in Research Mentoring (establishes open communication channels and clear expectations; trains students in appropriate methodologies for the discipline; sets high standards for ethical research practices; incorporates students into the research team; helps students create a feasible project timeline; encourages students to apply for internal and external funding awards)
• Excellence in Supporting Career and Personal Development (encourages students to seek opportunities for growth,  which may include on-campus peer leadership opportunities, research experiences at different instituitions, internships, and  graduate programs; provides encouragement when student encounters challenges; cultivates the development of workplace competencies and personal goal setting)
• Excellence in Showcasing Guidance (supports students participating in showcasing opportunities, such as disseminating research and scholarly findings through presentations, publications, and other related exhibitions)
• Excellence in Inclusivity (respectful of all members of the research team; mentors students of various backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; adopts and utilizes diverse approaches to mentor students meaningfully and effectively)