2021 Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award

The University of Arizona Postdoctoral Affairs would like to offer our congratulations to the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award Dr. George E. Gehrels, a University Distinguished Professor in the department of Geosciences. 

Dr. Gehrels was nominated for his unwavering dedication to his postdocs and his innovative research. His postdoc mentees applaud his, “ability to balance being a top tier scientist, mentor, and educator, while still valuing everyone’s ideas, energy, and time.” Dr. Gehrels oversees about 20 undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and research scientists. He is always available to provide insight, thoughtful feedback, assistance, and support to his mentees. 

Dr. Gehrels stands out for his commitment to diversity and inclusion in the Geochronology community, which is evident through his hiring practices. For the past 5 years, over 50% of his lab employees have been women and people of color.

His mentees thank him for his guidance in advancing their scientific prowess and their abilities to teach, interact with other scientists, and foster enthusiasm for science. By emphasizing proficiency in analytical and field techniques, Dr. Gehrels ensures that his mentees are well-equipped for faculty positions. His mentorship style strikes an impressive balance of generating motivation and inspiration, while expecting the highest quality results.