Three UNF Faculty Named Research Mentors of the Year for Supporting Student Success

At the University of North Florida, faculty achievements extend beyond the classroom, encompassing research, scholarly contributions and mentorship, playing a pivotal role in shaping the academic and professional trajectories of students. 

Each year, UNF students and faculty recognize and celebrate faculty whose contributions help students by enhancing critical thinking, providing support during challenging times and inspiring them throughout the research process.      

This year, the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) recognized Dr. Jacqueline Meier, assistant professor of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work in the College of Arts and Sciences, as the 2025 Undergraduate Mentor of the Year.  

The Graduate School selection committee choose for the first time, two graduate research mentors of the year — Dr. Guilherme (Gui) Cesar, assistant professor of Physical Therapy and a rehabilitation researcher and Dr. Greg Ciesielski, assistant professor of Biology. 

“When I think about student success, I know the role faculty mentors play,” said Dr. Judith Ochrietor, professor and director of OUR. “Through the guidance and support of a faculty member, students increase their confidence, develop a sense of belonging, explore potential careers, build on skills learned in the classroom, and enhance their academic portfolio. UNF has a long history of mentoring undergraduates in research.” 

Experience and confidence 

In their nomination letters, students indicated that Meier not only gave them relevant experience to enable them to thrive as they enter graduate school, but also confidence in their skills and abilities.    

“Dr. Meier’s mentorship has profoundly shaped my academic and professional journey,” said UNF student senior Sarah Boyd, who is majoring in Anthropology and Biology with a concentration in ecology and evolution biology. “She has impacted many students through both her courses and her research lab. Because of her, I have found the field of research that I wish to engage with for the rest of my life.” 

Meier says mentorship is central to her work at UNF, stating that her students as well as her lab assistants work with real archaeological materials to uncover the mysteries of the human past, giving them a wide array of experiential learning opportunities.   

“I look for mentees who are curious, ask interesting questions, and are dedicated to learning more than basic course requirements,” said Meier. “Archaeologists study the remains of the past in many ways. Letting students try out different methods in the lab often helps them to find the best path that plays up their strengths.” 

Expansive research opportunities 

Known for his work using his biomechanics background with distinct populations spanning from athletes to children with neurologic disabilities, Cesar is known for offering his students expansive research opportunities, as noted in graduate student Kevin McDonald’s nomination letter.  

“Dr. Cesar has fully immersed me int the research process at every level,” said McDonald. “I’m in my second year of the physical therapy program, and I’ve already presented research at the American Society of Biomechanics national conference, the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting, along with two internal UNF research conferences.”  

An empowering leader 

A dedicated graduate research mentor, Ciesielski specializes in molecular and cell biology, with a passion for guiding students through the complexities of cellular mechanisms and molecular interactions. His students say he fosters a collaborative lab environment where curiosity drives discovery.  

UNF graduate student Brooke McNeil, who works in Ciesielski’s lab, said she appreciated the unwavering support, scientific expertise and genuine mentorship.   

“Dr. Ciesielski will stop at nothing to ensure we understand how to do something by coaching us through and teaching us the theory behind things,” said McNeil in her nomination letter. “He makes us want to do our best and be our best selves. He is an empowering leader with admirable character, which is exhibited as a few of his mentees moved a few hundred miles away from Alabama to continue working under his leadership. I am grateful to be working under Dr. Ciesielski and appreciate the time he spends in the lab working to help us in any way he can. He has shown gratitude for our hard work and motivates us through determination and excitement.”