EITS Student Azam Ali Sher Receives Outstanding Doctoral Student Mentor Award from Graduate School

May 26, 2022

EITS graduate student, Azam Ali Sher, recently received the Outstanding Doctoral Student Mentor Award from the Graduate School at MSU. The Graduate School Mentoring Awards recognize faculty mentors and doctoral students whose practice exemplifies the Foundational Values for Graduate Student and Faculty Mentoring Relationships and who make exceptional efforts to sustain the rights and fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the MSU Guidelines for Graduate Student Mentoring and Advising. Sher was one of two doctoral students selected for the honor. 

From the Graduate School:

Sher is a trained veterinarian originally from Pakistan, who first came to MSU as a Fulbright Scholar and then returned to campus to pursue a master’s degree in Epidemiology. He is now working toward a Ph.D. in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology (CMIB) and Environmental Toxicology (EITS). This diverse scholarly background and his international perspective make him an effective mentor to undergraduates who come from a variety of backgrounds and scholarly traditions including MSU undergraduate researchers, participants in the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP), and his peers in graduate school. He works with these students to train them in different laboratory techniques, but also in research study design, speaking and presentation skills, and exploring career opportunities. His colleagues have gone on to present and win awards at the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF), Mid-SURE, and the professional conferences in microbiology and infectious diseases. His nominators highlighted what makes him such a valuable mentor: an infectious passion for science and inquiry, a soul of service and interpersonal connection to help people find a path for their goals, and valuable teaching skills that help build confidence in those with whom he works. He has been continuously praised for his excellent communication skills that help his students and mentees feel included, supported, and confident. Dr. Sher has demonstrated support for their scientific progress and research creativity. Concerned about his students' physical and mental health and academic success, he also supports students with insightful career advice. Several undergraduate researchers wrote in support of him earning this award, highlighting his integral role in helping them identify great graduate programs that align with their goals and helping them build a foundation for success. 

 

The IIT would like to congratulate Sher on this prestigious award!