Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship presents first High Five My Faculty award

Attention Augusta University students: Is there a professor or faculty research member who has gone above and beyond when it comes to helping with your research or creative activities, but you’re not sure how to thank them?

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURS) is giving you that opportunity with High Five My Faculty. It’s a way for students to recognize research mentors who have positively impacted their academic, scholarly and/or personal development.

The first recipient of the award is biology professor Dr. Brandon Cromer, who was nominated by senior biology major Rachel Hammesfahr.

“Dr. Cromer has helped me grow in so many ways as a student, and he has given me so many opportunities I would not have had if I had not done research,” Hammesfahr wrote in her nomination letter. “Dr. Cromer was my adviser for my honors thesis, which focused on examining glyphosate levels in yellow-bellied sliders. I plan to eventually become a vet for wildlife, and through this project, Dr. Cromer has given me valuable experience both in the lab and with turtles.

“By working with him, I was able to see his passion for protecting the environment and I was amazed at his knowledge of the many plant and animal species we would see. I feel that this experience has further validated my career choice and made me even more passionate to try and make a difference for wildlife one day. During my research, Dr. Cromer was an excellent mentor because he was there for me any time I needed help. He read my prospectus and thesis paper countless times and would provide feedback within days, despite his already busy schedule. Even when there was a time we weren’t sure if I would be able to get all the data I needed, he stayed calm and figured out a solution.

“When it came time to present my research, Dr. Cromer was also a major help. At my first presentation, I won the best poster award, but I could not have done that without his guidance while preparing for the conference. He also gave me the opportunity to travel to Reno and give an oral presentation at a national conference in front of many wildlife professionals. These opportunities to present and learn how to communicate effectively with people will help me for years in the future.”

There is no deadline for nomination and there is no limit to the number of awards given each month. Get more information and complete the nomination form.