Nouh recognized for mentoring underrepresented students

Mostafa Nouh, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, has received the 2021 Research Mentor of the Year Award from the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP).

The award honors outstanding CSTEP research mentors who have been involved in mentoring, supervising, and advising undergraduate researchers, and have impacted students’ academic and professional careers. It also recognizes faculty members who support CSTEP’s mission to increase the success of underrepresented populations pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions.

“I was pleasantly surprised to receive this award and very humbled by it. I have worked closely with CSTEP ever since joining UB in 2015, mentoring several undergraduate students over the years. Many of these students have gone on to complete their graduate studies here at UB and elsewhere,” said Nouh. “I truly believe in CSTEP’s mission to empower talented underrepresented students to pursue careers in science and engineering, and I would like to personally thank CSTEP Director Shanna Crump-Owens (and the entire CSTEP crew) for the amazing program they put together every year and for working tirelessly to sustain the quality of this program.”

Outstanding mentors are awarded through a nomination process completed by former research interns. Nouh was formally presented with the award in July at the 15^th annual CSTEP research symposium, where he also served as a judge for the research competition this year.

CSTEP is a grant-funded program sponsored by the New York State Department of Education to support talented underrepresented students pursuing STEM professions and health-related professions. CSTEP offers key preparation, resources, and opportunities critical to student success.