GSAB Faculty Mentoring Award

Purpose

The GSAB Faculty Mentoring Award recognizes exceptional faculty members in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) who demonstrate outstanding mentorship, guidance, and support for graduate students. This award is unique in that it is initiated, submitted, and awarded by students themselves. It celebrates faculty who go beyond their academic responsibilities to foster an inclusive, collaborative, and enriching environment for graduate students.

Eligibility

• Open to all faculty members within the EAS Division at Caltech, including tenure-track, tenured, and teaching faculty.
• Must have actively mentored graduate students within the past two academic years.
• Faculty who serve in administrative roles (e.g., department chairs) are eligible, provided they maintain direct mentoring relationships with students.
• Previous award recipients are eligible for nomination.

Award Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated based on their commitment to graduate student mentorship in the following areas:

Academic and Professional Development

• Provides constructive feedback and guidance on research projects and academic progress.
• Supports students in developing technical, analytical, and professional skills.
• Encourages publication, conference participation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

B. Personal and Career Support

• Actively fosters an inclusive and supportive research environment.
• Assists students with career development, networking, and job placement.
• Encourages a healthy work-life balance and promotes student well-being.

C. Advocacy and Inclusivity

• Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in mentoring.
• Advocates for students' academic and personal needs within the institution.
• Promotes a culture of mutual respect, belonging, and professional ethics.

Nomination Process

Who Can Nominate?

• Graduate students (current or within two years of graduation).
• Postdoctoral scholars who have been directly mentored by the nominee.

Nomination Materials

To nominate a faculty member, please submit the following materials:

1. Primary Nomination Letter (1 page maximum, single-spaced):
   A detailed letter describing how the nominee has demonstrated exceptional mentorship, addressing one or more of the award criteria.
2. Signatures of Support (Required):
   The primary nomination letter must be signed by at least three graduate students or recent alumni (within 2 years of graduation) who collectively endorse the nomination.
3. Supporting Statements (OPTIONAL, up to 2 letters):
   Additional testimonials from students, postdocs, or faculty familiar with the nominee's mentoring.

Submission Process

• Nominations must be emailed to [email protected]
• The deadline for nominations is 5:00PM FRIDAY, MAY 16th.

Selection and Award Process

• A selection committee comprised of GSAB representatives will review nominations.
• Finalists may be contacted for additional information.
• The award recipient will be announced at the EAS Awards Ceremony and will receive a glass awards recognition.

Contact Information

For questions about the award or nomination process, please contact [email protected].