Joann Sweasy treats the future of her postdocs with the same demanding attention and rigor she applies to experiments in her lab. For her strong advocacy for those working in her lab, Sweasy, the Ensign Professor of Therapeutic Radiology and professor of genetics, was awarded the Postdoctoral Mentoring Prize by the Provost’s Office at a ceremony at Harkness Auditorium Sept. 19.
“She pays attention in such a structured way to the career paths of her postdocs,” said Karen Anderson, associate provost for academic resources and faculty development. “She helps them develop their own networks and connect them to her network, and makes sure they are in touch with people who can help their careers.”
The award is made annually to a faculty member who exemplifies the role of a mentor and who has provided exceptional mentoring to one or more postdoctoral scholars during the previous year. Nominees are identified by current postdocs.
I learn so much from and feel so enriched by my postdocs
Joann Sweasy
Sweasy, who also serves as vice-chair for basic research and is associate director of basic science at the Yale Cancer Center, said she feels honored to be working with young scientists just launching their careers.
“I learn so much from and feel so enriched by my postdocs,” Sweasy said. “I feel like this is one of the great honors of my life.”