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Jennifer Daniel, associate professor of mathematics at ¿ìÉ«ÊÓƵ, has been selected to receive a 2017 Faculty Mentoring Award by the Council of Undergraduate Research (CUR) to honor her success in directing students in undergraduate research.

The award is in the Mid Career Category from the Mathematics and Computer Science Division CUR and includes a $200 prize.        

“As a mentor, [Daniel] is unparalleled,” said Alys Marken, Daniel’s former student. “Most notably, she instills in her students invaluable tools for life-long learning and success.”

Daniel has encouraged student research through her many roles, but especially as director of STAIRSTEP, a program that she helped form that engages and develops students through an undergraduate experience that includes research, mentoring, tutoring, outreach, support and other activities.

“In the beginning, I worked with a couple of students on projects outside the classroom. My focus has evolved from female math students, to underrepresented minorities in STEM, to all underserved students in STEM,” Daniel said.

"When Dr. Daniel is not teaching, tutoring, serving on committees, writing grant proposals, sponsoring student organizations, or managing research teams, she is out in the community... fighting for the issues she is passionate about: education, alternative energy, LGBT and women’s rights," wrote Amber Barnhill a student of Daniel in an article written for submission to the Association of Women in Mathematics.

“I’ve had the opportunity to mentor many excellent students in undergraduate research, and the relationships have continued throughout the years. My team and I are now invited into my former students classrooms and businesses to continue sharing our enthusiasm for STEM,” said Daniel.

“I am humbled to have been chosen for this award based on the recommendation of my colleagues and mentees,” she said.

CUR believes that by participating in undergraduate research, faculty members enhance their teaching and contribution to society and students excel in their studies and professional advancement.

The Council on Undergraduate Research, founded in 1978, is a national organization of individual and institutional members representing more than 900 colleges and universities. CUR and its affiliated colleges, universities, and individuals share a mission to support undergraduate research opportunities for faculty and students.

CUR’s leadership works with agencies and foundations to enhance research opportunities and support faculty, administrator, and student development. CUR’s publications and outreach activities share models and strategies for establishing undergraduate research programs. It also assists administrators and faculty members in improving and assessing the research environment at their institutions.