Showalter honored with Distinguished Faculty Mentoring Award

Scott Showalter, professor of chemistry and of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State, has been named a recipient of the inaugural Eberly College of Science Distinguished Faculty Mentoring Award, which was created in 2019 to honor faculty members in the college for their outstanding work in mentoring both students and faculty.

Showalter was nominated for the award in recognition of his long-standing dedication to helping students and colleagues reach their full potential as scientists, leaders, and professionals. His efforts have made a lasting impact on the Department of Chemistry, including the creation of the Chemistry Graduate Student Association and the introduction of graduate student individual development plans within the department, which encourage students to think about professional development in both broad and personal ways. He is also heavily involved in outreach initiatives both within and outside the Penn State community.

"Mentoring students and colleagues is integral to what we do as faculty members," Showalter said. "Mentoring permeates our teaching, research, and service and usually plays a central role in the tasks I enjoy doing the most. During my training, I had the good fortune to learn from some outstanding mentors by virtue of how they treated me. To this day, my undergraduate and Ph.D. research advisors remain committed mentors; I have never felt that time or distance limit their willingness or ability to continue serving me and my peers. At Penn State, I have attempted to replicate that philosophy for the students, staff, and junior faculty who have reached out to me for support."

"Scott has made enormous and sustained contributions to the chemistry department in terms of mentoring students and faculty," added Phil Bevilacqua, head of the Department of Chemistry and Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. "He is fully invested in the success and well-being of his students and those of the entire department."

Showalter will be formally presented with the award at the Celebrate Science reception, to be held on March 20, 2020.