Three OCRID Faculty Honored with Excellence in Research Mentoring Award
6/10/2024
STILLWATER, OK – [06/10/2024] – Three distinguished faculty members from the Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases (OCRID) have been recognized with the esteemed Excellence in Research Mentoring Award for 2024. Dr. Joshua Butcher, Dr. Yong Cheng, and Dr. Matthew Cabeen have each demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact in guiding undergraduate students through research projects.
Dr. Joshua Butcher, an assistant professor at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, has been instrumental in mentoring undergraduate students pursuing diverse professional paths. His commitment to personalized mentorship strategies and his passion for student success have led to notable achievements among his mentees, including recognition as Niblack Research Scholars and Wentz Research Scholars. Dr. Butcher's mentoring philosophy emphasizes fostering a supportive environment where students feel empowered to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
Dr. Yong Cheng, an assistant professor in the OSU Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, was nominated for his breadth and depth of mentoring activities, individualized mentoring strategies, and commitment to helping students achieve academic, career, or personal growth. Dr. Cheng's expertise in molecular biology has provided students with invaluable insights into cutting-edge research techniques, inspiring many to pursue careers in scientific research. He has been recognized for his dedication to undergraduate research mentoring and his efforts to foster a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment for students.
Dr. Matthew Cabeen, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, has 15 students — both graduate and undergraduate — working alongside him in his lab. Dr. Cabeen's mentorship philosophy is based on mutual respect and a desire to see students succeed both professionally and personally according to their goals. His dedication to undergraduate research has been evident since his arrival at OSU, where he has served as a mentor for numerous students in various majors. Dr. Cabeen's mentoring approach emphasizes providing guidance and support to help students navigate their academic and professional journeys.
The recognition of Dr. Butcher, Dr. Cheng, and Dr. Cabeen underscores the importance of mentorship in higher education and highlights the significant impact that dedicated faculty can have on the academic and professional development of their students.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Butcher, Dr. Cheng, and Dr. Cabeen for their unwavering commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers," said Dr. Lin Liu, OCRID Director. "Their efforts not only enrich the lives of their students but also advance the mission of OCRID and Oklahoma State University."
The Excellence in Research Mentoring Award serves as a testament to the high standards of excellence upheld by OCRID faculty and their dedication to fostering the next generation of scientific leaders. Congratulations to Dr. Butcher, Dr. Cheng, and Dr. Cabeen on this well-deserved honor.