PICR Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor Award

Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor Award

Key dates
Announcement:	December 2, 2025
Submission due:	February 27, 2026

Purpose:

The Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR) seeks to recognize exceptional mentoring by graduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting and guiding their peers in academic, research and professional development endeavors in cancer research. An annual award of $1000 will presented to a graduate student trainee who exemplifies outstanding leadership, mentorship and dedication to fostering a positive learning and research environment.

Criteria:

Applicants must be doctoral students currently registered and in good standing. Applicants must also demonstrate a strong record of mentoring within the cancer research community. The applicant must be enrolled as a doctoral student under the direction of a faculty member in one of the programs of the Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research.

Nomination procedure:

1. The application packet should be submitted as a single PDF file here by February 27, 2026.
2. The Cancer Research Training and Education Committee will serve as the selection committee.
3. Nominations will include in the following order:
   1. Nomination cover page (template below)
   2. One letter of support from mentees, an advisor, or another staff member with first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s excellence in mentoring. This letter can be signed by multiple individuals.
   3. Curriculum vitae
   4. Mentoring statement (maximum of 500 words) detailing:
      • Mentoring philosophy
      • Commitment to mentoring
      • Accomplishments in mentoring

Recognition: The award recipient will be announced at the Annual PICR Awards Ceremony and will receive a $1000 monetary award and a plaque in recognition of their exceptional mentorship.

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Cover page template

Nominee information:

• Name:
• Graduation date (already or expected):
• Email:

Nominator information:

• Name of nominator:
• Department:
• PICR Scientific Program:
• Email:
• Date of nomination: