The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship is pleased to announce the 2026 Research Mentoring Champion Awardees. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. See the awardees below.
| Champion | School/College | Department |
| Maria Alcaide, M.D. | Miller School of Medicine | Infectious Diseases |
| Kara Cavuoto, M.D. | Miller School of Medicine | Ophthalmology |
| Daniel Feaster, Ph.D. | Miller School of Medicine | Public Health Sciences |
| Ronald Jackson, III, Ph.D. | School of Communication | Communication Studies |
| Cynthia Levy, M.D. | Miller School of Medicine | Medicine |
| Guillermo Prado, Ph.D. | School of Nursing & Health Studies | Nursing & Health Studies |
| Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos. Ph.D. | College of Engineering | Civil & Architectural Engineering |
| Michal Toborek, M.D., Ph.D. | Miller School of Medicine | Biochemistry & Molecular Biology |
This award recognizes faculty who are Champions - supporters and promoters of research mentoring – spokespersons for the value of research mentoring. They inspire others to become involved as research mentors themselves. Their influence motivates others to take up the cause – they have a significant impact on the success of the research mentoring enterprise. Champions raise awareness of the need for research mentoring and advocate for change. Those around them are inspired to make a difference and to become mentors themselves. Awardees received a commemorative plaque and the opportunity to attend the International Mentoring Association Biennial Conference in May 2026. Nominations were reviewed by OVPRS leadership and the Research Mentoring Task Force to confirm nominees were in good standing.
To be considered for the Research Mentoring Champion Award, nominees had to be trong advocates for research mentoring who actively promote its value and inspire others to serve as mentors. Champions raise awareness of the importance of research mentoring, motivate others to get involved, and have a meaningful impact on the success of the research mentoring enterprise. Through their influence and advocacy, they encourage positive change and foster a culture of mentorship. Faculty may not self-nominate. Eligibility: Award: Awardees received a commemorative plaque and the opportunity to attend the International Mentoring Association Biennial Conference , May 13- 14, 2026 (Pre-Conference, May 12, 2026)
If you have any questions, please contact: Eva Olivares at eolivares@miami.edu.
Copyright: 2026 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved.
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