Each year the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research & Creative Practice Mentor award recognizes the contributions of faculty who mentor undergraduate students in research and creative practice. It’s always a difficult decision because so many of our faculty practice this on a daily basis. This year, I’m pleased to announce that Jody Early and Milagros Loreto were honored as the award recipients. Like past faculty awardees, they both serve as exemplary role models and resources to other mentors across the campus community.

Jody is an associate professor in the School of Nursing & Health Studies who views the student-faculty relationship as reciprocal and synergetic; they learn from each other. Most notably, she is helping the campus peer health educators with a health and wellness survey, participating in research to rehabilitate stroke patients and guiding students studying the use of mobile phones in promoting health. She co-authors papers and presentations with students, and has seen some become professors and mentors themselves.

Milagros is an assistant professor of mathematics in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics who as a first-generation college graduate from Venezuela shares her enthusiasm with underrepresented students. She has had students present results from the past three summers of a math research experience for undergraduates. Several of those students are now in Ph.D. programs. Based on her success, this summer she received an external grant in the National Research Experience for Undergraduates Program.

To read more, please visit https://www.uwb.edu/news/may-2018/mentors-award.

We celebrated Jody and Milagros at a reception May 30 at the Hollywood Schoolhouse in Woodinville. Each also received a $2,000 stipend in recognition of their outstanding contributions.