Honored for Excellence in Mentoring Postdocs
Dunlop receives inaugural award from BU Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs
When postdoctoral researcher Jean-Baptiste Lugagne began applying to faculty positions last year, he steeled himself for a daunting process. In an intensely competitive job market, university search committees are seeking candidates who can demonstrate a vast array of skill sets beyond their field-specific expertise, from teaching to grant writing to lab management.
But Lugagne had a secret weapon to help him through the job search: his faculty mentor, Associate Professor Mary Dunlop (BME). She guided Lugagne in refining his research proposal, gave him feedback on his interview materials, and even helped him organize a practice “chalk talk” with other faculty to ensure he was prepared for his presentations to search committees. The preparation paid off: Lugagne is joining the University of Oxford as an assistant professor of engineering science next year.
Now, in recognition of her deep commitment to the professional and personal development of postdoctoral researchers at BU, Dunlop has been awarded the University’s first-ever Award for Excellence in Mentoring Postdocs.