Newswise — Washington, D.C. - The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) will be presenting Dr. Mark Brodl, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and George W. Brackenridge Distinguished Professor of Biology at Trinity University, and Dr. Mitchell Malachowski, Professor of Chemistry at the University of San Diego, the 2014 CUR Fellows Award. The awards will be presented at the 2014 CUR Conference in June in Washington, D.C.
These awards are presented to two CUR members who have developed nationally-respected research programs involving undergraduate students. Each CUR Fellow is also awarded a CUR Student Research Fellowship that they will give to a deserving undergraduate at their respective institutions. CUR Fellows Award recipients have established outstanding records of obtaining funding for their collaborative research with their students, and have published research findings with undergraduate co-authors. They reach out to students of all backgrounds, incorporate research activities into the courses they teach, and lead efforts to institutionalize research on their campuses and across the nation. In sum, they are leaders and role models for countless faculty and students. Julio Rivera, CUR President, summed up the selection best saying “I am so pleased with the selection of Dr. Brodl and Dr. Malachowski as the 2014 CUR Fellows. Both of their careers demonstrate that lives committed to teaching, mentoring, and research can have deep impacts on students, peers, and their institutions.”
CUR Executive Officer Elizabeth Ambos stated, "Both CUR Fellows exemplify the highest standard of achievement in undergraduate research practice and leadership. In addition to their achievements as teacher-scholars-mentors at their own institutions, Mitch and Mark have had far-ranging impacts as thought leaders in the international undergraduate research movement."
Mark Brodl has established a national reputation for his work in support of student-faculty research, particularly work with an interdisciplinary focus. Described by former students as “superlative educator, exceptional communicator, talented researcher, and as someone who is completely dedicated and devoted to his students,” Mark serves as an inspiration and mentor for colleagues while he encourages the next generation by preparing them for the future. He has received more than $5 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, as well as grants from other government agencies and private funders. Yet over the past 25 years, he also has served as a research mentor for more than 200 students, including 37 who completed honors theses. At least 17 students have been co-authors with Brodl on peer-reviewed publications. More than 45 percent of his students have entered PhD, MD, or MD/PhD programs.
Mitchell Malachowski’s career-long drive for excellence has been recognized many times during his career as a professor of chemistry at the University of San Diego, where he has won several distinguished service and teaching awards. Students engaged in research with Malachowski receive in-depth exposure to advanced, extramurally-funded projects focused on preparing functional materials that mimic biological systems and compounds, leading to an impressive 21 publications with 40 student co-authors. Indeed, his passion for undergraduate research is evident from his ongoing efforts to integrate teaching, scholarship, and student mentoring. He has mentored more than 100 undergraduate researchers since arriving at USD and one former student commented, “... he continues to be the compassionate mentor and leader I came to know during my years in undergraduate research.” That neatly describes. Malachowski’s devotion to developing lasting connections with his students that go well beyond the confines of the classroom and research laboratory.
###Council on Undergraduate Research: The Council on Undergraduate Research (www.cur.org) supports and facilitates high-quality undergraduate student-faculty collaborative research and scholarship. Over 650 institutions and nearly 10,000 individuals belong to CUR. CUR believes that the best way to capture student interest and create enthusiasm for a discipline is through research in close collaboration with faculty members.
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