Each spring, the Office of the Provost recognizes outstanding mentors with the Awards for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities. Among this year’s recipients is Michael Sheets, professor in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry.
Over a 28-year career, Sheets has seen the power of undergraduate research experiences in attracting and retaining students to STEM majors. Many of the students he’s mentored through the Undergraduate Research Scholars program wind up working in his lab for their entire undergraduate careers. His empathy and reassurance – particularly in the early stages when students often feel lost and intimidated – encourage students to persist. And he works to understand not only where students are now but where they hope to go. Student Megan Nchekwaram says, “Mike has always listened and tried his best to help me attack each aspiration and dream one step at a time.”
See all of this year’s awardees here.
Photo by Jeff Miller.