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Student Researchers Nominate King for Mentorship Awards
As an undergraduate student who couldn’t see herself as a scientist or researcher, having a faculty mentor like Elizabeth King encouraging her to pursue data science made all of the difference for senior Gabi Ramirez.
“As someone who never saw herself that way, it is now the primary way I reference myself to others especially when people ask what I do,” said Ramirez, “Her guidance and persistent belief in my ability to succeed helped me believe in myself too.”
King, associate professor in biological sciences, received one of two new awards called the Provost Awards for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship.
These will be given annually to faculty “who have impacted undergraduate students as researchers in significant ways over time.” in the areas of arts and humanities and social and behavioral sciences; and in life science, math and physical science (STEM).
She was nominated by colleagues in biological sciences, David Schulz, director and professor, and Pamela Brown, associate professor, as well as by students she has mentored.
King also recently won the Ann K. Covington award for mentorship from the Office of Global and National Fellowships. She was also nominated for that award by Ramirez for helping her with a successful application for the prestigious five-year NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
Reilley Heffern, another student in the King lab, plans to go to school to study genetic counseling.
“While working in the lab, I’ve discovered my passion for research and genetics, and I’m now planning on pursuing a master’s degree in genetic counseling after completing my undergraduate degree,” she said. “Without the opportunities and support Dr. King has given me, I likely would not have discovered my interest in genetics.”
King’s approach to mentoring is centered on “intentional professional training, transparency and open communication, and promoting a culturally responsive, community-minded culture.”
She mentors every student in her lab and encourages a mentoring network within the lab to connect new students with more senior students or graduate students. In the King Lab, as well as the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) and the pre-MARC programs that she leads, students become part of a supportive community where they develop the personal and professional skills needed to develop their own research goals. ForagerOne has also been a useful tool she recommends to students to explore their research interests and to help find a lab that has openings for student researchers.
King will be presented the award at the Faculty Recognition Awards Ceremony on May 5 during Faculty Excellence Week.
