5 faculty members honored for excellence in undergraduate research mentoring
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 15, 2025) — Five University of Kentucky faculty members received the 2025 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for their exceptional leadership and support of student researchers.
Presented each year by the Office of Undergraduate Research, this student-nominated award recognizes UK faculty members who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers, providing exceptional undergraduate research experiences, as well as supporting and promoting undergraduate research initiatives on campus.
This year, students nominated a record 58 faculty mentors representing 34 departments and 10 colleges for the award, including four previous award winners. The awards were announced during the 19th annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars on April 30.
The 2025 award winners are:
Cassandra Gipson-Reichardt, Ph.D., College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
Gipson-Reichardt was nominated by student Safiyah Sadek, who said, “A great mentor has the ability to see potential in you that is greater than what you can even see in yourself, and this is why my mentor’s mentorship has had a transformative impact on my undergraduate research experience. My mentor’s vision, leadership and dedication have created a ripple effect that extends far beyond her lab. Her students’ leave prepared to contribute meaningfully to science, armed with the tools, confidence and mentorship that only a truly exceptional faculty member can provide. She is not only deserving of this award. She defines what it means to earn it.”
Lindsey Fay, Ph.D., College of Design, Department of Interiors
Fay was nominated by student Brayden Nichols, who said, “Rather than saying my mentor has had an impact on my undergraduate research career, I would say she is the reason I have one. It’s not just about the opportunities she has helped me achieve...it’s something much deeper. Conducting research as an undergraduate is a privilege I am incredibly grateful for, but my mentor has done more than guide me through the process; she has shown me how to love research. My mentor deserves this award not just because she’s a great mentor, but because she is shaping the future of research in our field.”
Hisashi Sawada, Ph.D., College of Medicine, Department of Physiology
Sawada was nominated by student Preet Patel who said, “My mentor demonstrates an outstanding commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers by guiding students from being beginners in the lab to confident researchers. My mentor has taught me how to critically approach problems and always look for positive outcomes, regardless of any negative results we may have produced. From the time I stepped into the lab as a high school student to recently when we spent time planning a project for myself, my mentor has always made me feel included in a large laboratory with many members. He has truly made my undergraduate research experience a great learning journey.”
Nicholas Teets, Ph.D., Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Entomology
Teets was nominated by student Sophia Zhou who said, “My mentor has had a profound impact on my undergraduate research journey, shaping nearly every aspect of my experience. His impact extends beyond the laboratory. While he pushes me to seek competitive opportunities, he also genuinely cares about my well-being. This balance of high expectations and compassionate guidance is what makes my mentor so exceptional. He cultivates an environment where students not only excel but also feel supported and valued.”
Juan Canedo, Ph.D., College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine
Canedo was nominated by student Mallory Sparks, who said, “My mentor demonstrates an outstanding commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers by providing guidance, support and recognition for our contributions. He’s had a significant impact on my undergraduate research experience, providing me with opportunities to grow as both a researcher and an aspiring health care professional. Beyond his role as a research mentor, my mentor has inspired me to grow as both a student and a person. He encourages me to put forth my best effort and challenges me to reach my full potential. My mentor’s dedication, mentorship and passion for reducing health disparities make him deserving of this prestigious award.”
For a list of this year’s award nominees, visit our.uky.edu/2025-mentor-nominees.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.