CSTEP Honors Dubocovich with Research Mentor Award

“We recognize those who went beyond what faculty members normally do as researchers, teachers and advisers,” says CSTEP director Shanna Crump-Owens.

“Our committee looked for faculty who distinguished themselves by consistently helping students develop their intellectual curiosity, their capacity for contemplating deeper questions and a lifelong commitment to learning.”

The honor is a student-choice selected award, meaning CSTEP research interns nominated faculty research mentors who embodied the essence of a mentor-mentee relationship that trains and provides support to students.

Dubocovich’s student nominator said: “She was a great mentor that really pushed me to become a better scientist and person and gave the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.”

Dubocovich, who also serves as senior associate dean for diversity and inclusion, received the 2015-16 Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Award and received the UB Distinguished Postdoc Mentor Award in 2011.

The world’s foremost authority on melatonin research, Dubocovich established the pharmacology of functional melatonin receptors, which revolutionized the field. Her pioneering findings significantly broadened the scientific understanding of melatonin’s impact on circadian rhythms, sleep disorders and depression.

UB has the largest CSTEP program in New York State. It provides services, resources and high-impact activities for 400 underrepresented students pursing the licensed professions, as well as scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical professions annually.

Dubocovich received the award at the CSTEP 30th annual Alumni Reunion and Scholarship Anniversary Gala May 12 at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott Hotel in Amherst.