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Deanna Gelosi

"My mentor has excelled not by simply teaching me technical skills, but by guiding me toward independence, confidence, and a broader understanding of how I can grow both academically and personally. Her mentorship style is rooted in support, flexibility, and trust, which has made a lasting impact on my development.

One of the most valuable aspects of her mentorship is the way she provides feedback. Rather than telling me exactly what to do, she shares her own experiences and perspectives, allowing me to draw my own conclusions. This approach makes her feedback feel both constructive and empowering.

Her guidance helped me reframe how I think about time, opportunities, and my own potential. I learned that growth does not come from doing everything at once, but from staying curious, patient, and open to new experiences over time."

Lottie Steward

"I still remember when I first got involved in cell culture work for transfection purposes, and I asked a question about what a DNA vector was. Instead of briefly explaining it to me, she took me outside of lab to the nearest whiteboard and drew an elaborate drawing to illustrate.

Even though I am no longer working directly with Lottie, she still indirectly supports me. For instance, when I defended my honors thesis in mid-March, Lottie was there to support me, asked engaging questions, and even bought me a little gift. She is also always happy to give advice on things such as research posters. Her energy is immense, and she does so much for her lab and MCDB. I owe all of my experience in research to her incredible mentorship, and that is why I think she is worth nominating for this award."

Shantae Gallegos

"The overall impact Shantae has had on my learning and development cannot be overstated. She has taught me nearly everything I know in the lab, but more importantly, she has taught me how to learn, how to think critically, and how to grow from both successes and setbacks.Ìý

She has instilled in me a sense of ambition and a drive to continuously improve. Her emphasis on precision has made me more detail-oriented, while her commitment to transparency has shaped how I communicate and document my work. Through her example, I have gained a clear understanding of what true dedication and passion for research look like.

Her mentorship has given me the confidence to take on new challenges, the skills to navigate complex problems, and the mindset to view obstacles as opportunities for growth."

Lynneatte Quenin

"Lynneatte’s ability to make people feel at ease and unjudged is unparalleled. I’ve found myself sending questions and injecting my comments without hesitation. In the lab—where she mentors at least seven other students, of which another two are conducting independent projects—she exhibits the same warmth that makes the culture dialectic and open-minded.

Her interpersonal acuity in no way detracts from her extensive knowledge and her ability to communicate it in simple terms. I regularly sent her drafts of my Honors Thesis. Each draft was met with interminable critique—an erroneous application of a concept, a poorly phrased idea, a key citation that I had missed—yet she managed to always make her critique understandable and strikingly pragmatic.Ìý

She’s warm, curious, and instructive in her interactions. And she’s present all throughout the trials and tribulations that each student invariably faces."

Maya Paulson

"Working with Maya has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience in the lab. Her mentorship is defined by patience, consistency, and a genuine commitment to making sure her students feel supported as they learn. From the beginning, she created an environment where questions were always encouraged, and where learning was never rushed. She is incredibly patient, and never hesitates to revisit a concept or explain something multiple times until it fully makes sense.

She is approachable and attentive, and there is a clear sense that she is invested not just in the work being done, but in the people doing it. Knowing that she is always willing to help creates a sense of stability and confidence in the learning process.

She has consistently encouraged me to pursue science and has helped me obtain the skills and opportunities necessary to be successful in the field. Her mentorship has had a profound impact on my academic journey and future career path."