Mentor of the Year

Nominations are due March 15, 2013.

The Office of Undergraduate Research supports the university’s overarching vision that “UNF faculty will excel in teaching and scholarship, sharing with students their passion for discovery.”

According to UNF’s mission,

The University of North Florida fosters the intellectual and cultural growth and civic awareness of its students, preparing them to make significant contributions to their communities in the region and beyond. At UNF, students and faculty engage together and individually in the discovery and application of knowledge. UNF faculty and staff maintain an unreserved commitment to student success within a diverse, supportive campus culture.

We will achieve this in part by, “Supporting and recognizing research and creative endeavor as essential university functions.”  Beginning in 2009, the Office of Undergraduate Research recognizes each year an outstanding faculty-mentor who fosters among undergraduates an appreciation for rigorous scholarship and a passion for research.

Nomination Process

Nominations for the UNF Mentor of the Year Award are accepted in the spring term of each year. A call for nominations is posted each spring. Only current and former undergraduate students may nominate a faculty member for this award. The recipient is then selected by the Undergraduate Research Advisory Council. The recipient of the Mentor of the Year Award is announced each year at the annual student research symposium held at the end of the spring term.You may submit a nomination for your faculty-mentor for the Mentor of the Year Award by clicking on the image at the top of this page. We recommend that you use the Mentor of the Year Award worksheet to prepare your nomination. Then you can cut and paste the nomination into the online form.

Former Recipients

2012 

 Judith Ochrietor, Ph.D.  

Department of Biology 

 “Dr. Ochrietor’s honesty and compassion in her words and deeds challenge all of us to, like her, inspire others to be great scientistsl. She encourages our passions, but also encourages us to be leaders in our field and to share our knowledge with the upcoming generation. She is changing the world one student at a time…”  Kathryn Flethcher, Class of 2011

2011 

Michael Toglia, Ph.D.  

Department of Psychology  

“Even with his time constraints as a department chair and a professor, Dr. Toglia still finds the time to be one of the most hands-on mentors in the department. Dr. Toglia has been so willing to give me the experiences he knew I needed for my future endeavors that I know I am prepared and have the tools I need to succeed.” Rachel Seaman, Class of 2012   

2010  

Robert Vergenz, Ph.D.   

Department of Chemistry   

“Anyone can take an undergraduate student and teach them how to do research, but very few can make them into a better human being. Dr. Vergenz has managed to do both brilliantly.” Robert Neiberger, Class of 2010 

2009
Christopher Leone, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology 
“In addition to training students in research and scholarship, Dr. Leone holds his protégés to the highest ethical standards. Dr. Leone demands that his students exhibit character and integrity in every aspect of their academic and professional lives.” Tatiana Melnik, Class of 2005, Graduate of Michigan Law School and currently practicing corporate law in Florida