Best Named Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year
Chemistry Professor Michael Best was recently named Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year at the Chancellor’s Academic Honors Banquet. These awards honor two faculty members who have shown outstanding commitment to mentoring undergraduate research students, one each for early career and late career faculty, the latter of which was awarded to Best.
Best joined the Department of Chemistry in 2005. Since then, he has served in a number of capacities with the department including as principal investigator for the department’s National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and, most recently, the associate head of undergraduate education.
In his role as associate head, Best drives engagement with undergraduate chemistry majors through ongoing communication and semi-annual social activities, including Undergraduate Research Sign-Up Day. Undergraduate Research Sign-up events are designed to encourage chemistry majors to get hands-on research experience in a working laboratory setting, an experience Best believes is an important opportunity for students.
“I was very fortunate to enjoy a wonderful undergraduate research experience at Boston College under my advisor, Professor Larry Scott. This was pivotal for both my personal and scientific development, and quite literally changed my career trajectory,” said Best. “Since I benefitted so much from my own experience, it’s important to me that my lab offers opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research and explore their interests.”
Since joining the department, Best has welcomed more than 90 undergraduate students into his lab, providing them an opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience that will support them in their future careers, both in the lab and beyond.
“Whether students ultimately elect to pursue a career in scientific research or not, my experience has always been that research is a highly rewarding opportunity for undergraduate researchers, graduate student mentors, and faculty advisors alike,” said Best.
Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year is one of many awards given at the annual Chancellor’s Academic Honors Banquet each spring. A complete list of this year’s winners is available Employee Hub Site (login required).