Undergraduate Research Faculty
Mentorship. Discovery. Impact.
At the University of North Florida, faculty are at the heart of the undergraduate research experience. Guiding students beyond the classroom and into meaningful, hands-on discovery. Through close mentorship and real-world collaboration, UNF faculty empower students to explore ideas, solve problems and create knowledge that makes a difference.
Research at UNF is more than an academic exercise, it’s a defining part of the student experience. With faculty as mentors, collaborators and innovators, students don’t just learn about their field, they help shape its future. Students are encouraged to connect with faculty, explore research opportunities early and take the next step in their academic journey.
2025 Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year
Dr. Jacqueline Meier
Congratulations to Dr. Jacqueline Meier, associate professor of anthropology at the University of North Florida, on being named the SOARS 2025 Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year! One of Dr. Meier’s students who nominated her wrote, “Dr. Meier’s mentorship has profoundly shaped my academic and professional journey … She has impacted many students through both her courses and her research lab, doing everything in her power to help her students succeed. Because of her, I have found a field of research that I wish to engage with for the rest of my career.”
Dr. Meier’s award was presented as part of the 2025 Showcase of Osprey Achievements in Research and Scholarship (SOARS), which was held on Friday, April 11 in the John A. Delaney Student Union.
Congratulations, Dr. Meier, on this well-deserved honor and achievement!
Previous Undergraduate Mentors of the Year
| Year | Winner | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Jackie Meier | Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work |
| 2024 | Dr. John Hatle | Department of Biology |
| 2023 | Dr. Szymon Ciesielski | Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry |
| 2022 | Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof | Department of Nutrition and Dietetics |
| 2021 | Dr. Anne Pfister | Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work |
| 2020 | Dr. Bryan Knuckley | Department of Chemistry |
| 2019 | Dr. Terri Ellis | Department of Biology |
| 2018 | Dr. Matt Gilg | Department of Biology |
| 2017 | Dr. Stephen Stagon | School of Engineering |
| 2016 | Dr. Judy Comeaux | School of Nursing |
| 2015 | Dr. Matt Gilg | Department of Biology |
| 2013 | Dr. Amy Lane | Department of Chemistry |
| 2012 | Dr. Judith Ochrietor | Department of Biology |