Dr. Bagheri’s Nomination
I am honored to nominate Dr. Shaghayegh Bagheri for the OSCAR Mentoring Excellence Award, acknowledging her exceptional mentorship and profound impact on my research journey within her lab. Dr. Bagheri has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of student scholarship in alignment with Mason’s Students as Scholars initiative. Her personalized approach to mentoring, recognizing and nurturing my unique strengths and interests in research and creative activities, has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of my undergraduate research and enabling meaningful contributions to the academic community.
A hallmark of Dr. Bagheri’s mentorship is her hands-on involvement in my research project. Beyond providing insightful theoretical frameworks, she actively collaborates with me in the lab, offering practical guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and result interpretation. This collaborative approach creates a dynamic and enriching research environment where I feel empowered to take ownership of my project, benefitting from Dr. Bagheri’s wealth of expertise. This mentorship style extends beyond scheduled meetings, fostering open communication and a shared sense of responsibility for the success of our research endeavors.
I must also commend the collaborative atmosphere cultivated by Dr. Bagheri within the lab, with a special mention of graduate student Kunal Gide. Kunal has been an invaluable ally throughout my research journey, providing support, insights, and a collaborative spirit that has enhanced the overall research experience. Dr. Bagheri’s leadership in nurturing this collaborative dynamic adds depth and breadth to the mentoring environment.
Furthermore, Dr. Bagheri has actively championed my professional development, ensuring the acquisition of research skills and the refinement of essential abilities such as effective communication, critical thinking, and project management. She has facilitated opportunities for me to present our research findings at conferences, connect with fellow scholars in the field, and publish our work in reputable journals. Dr. Bagheri’s commitment to my holistic growth as a student researcher has had a lasting impact, significantly preparing me for future academic and professional pursuits. In every aspect, her mentorship, combined with the collaborative spirit within the lab, epitomizes the objectives of the OSCAR Mentoring Excellence Award, making Dr. Bagheri and Kunal Gide deserving candidates for this esteemed recognition.