The NC State Michael Dickey Outstanding Research Mentor Award is an annual award given to a faculty member at North Carolina State University who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to mentoring and supporting undergraduate and graduate student researchers. The award is named in honor of Dr. Michael Dickey, a former faculty member in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering who was known for his dedication to mentoring and inspiring students.
This award recognizes faculty members who have shown a sustained commitment to mentoring student researchers, providing them with guidance, support and opportunities to develop their research skills and interests. Nominees are evaluated based on their mentoring philosophy, the impact they have had on their students and the ways in which they created a supportive and inclusive research environment.
This year, Jacqueline (Jacque) Cole, associate professor in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, was nominated by several undergraduate students in her lab and received the award on April 26 at the Spring Undergraduate Research & Creativity Symposium. The following are quotes from Jacque’s students that were shared at the awards ceremony:
“Dr. Cole is a brilliant, kind, and encouraging mentor. It is so incredibly clear that she cares for all students who cross her path, and she always goes above and beyond to ensure that each student individually accomplishes their goals and sets off on an incredible career or continued education.”
“Dr. Cole has been more than a PI; she has been a mentor and a friend…she has made being a member in the lab a diverse experience. I am amazed at Dr. Cole’s continual effort to make her lab a holistic experience for all, and I am forever grateful for that.”
“The continual support from Dr. Cole makes it [so] that no feat is too hard to overcome.”
“She is an amazing person that really strives to advance herself so she can learn how to better support others.”
Congratulations to Jacque for this deserved recognition of her mentorship. The impact of her support and dedication to our students is felt across the department and we thank her for her contributions.