L: Dr. Ed Conway, R: Dr. Michael Sutherland

How did you feel when you found out that you received the award?

I was honestly quite surprised. I had been nominated for the award in the past and felt humbled each time the students put my name forward. This time, I was happy for both myself and them, knowing how much effort they had put into preparing my nomination 

How would you describe your mentorship style?

My mentorship style focuses on providing guidance while allowing students to choose their own paths. It’s important to know when to step in and when to hold back. I also recognize that every individual has a unique starting and end point which shapes my approach. 

Can you share a couple mentors who have greatly influenced your scientific journey?

The most obvious choice is Dr. Ed Pryzdial. Watching Dr. Pryzdial’s approach to answering scientific questions and commitment to academic integrity has helped to lay the foundation as to how I guide students. The second choice is less specific, and would have to be the other research staff within the CBR. They are a huge resource scientifically as well as a tremendous community of support.  

What’s your biggest challenge as a mentor?

I think this would be knowing when to jump in help or hold off and wait. Recognising when students need support is also a challenge, as many don’t openly acknowledge when they are struggling.

What’s your favorite part or the most rewarding part of mentorship?

Just being around and helping the students in whatever capacity I can. Each day is different in the lab which makes it interesting and fulfilling.

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Sutherland and all our nominees! The CBR is incredibly fortunate to have mentors in our community who uplift their peers, share insights, and build a positive learning culture, inside and outside of the lab.

This year, we received nominations for 11 different mentors: Ahmed Kabil, Dr. Kerryn Matthews, Kevin Gonzalez, Loulou Cai, Joseph Sadden, Dr. KB Choi, Dr. Michael Sutherland, Nooshin Safikhan, Dr. Patricia de Benedet, Dr. Samantha Grist and Vivian Zhang.

Special thanks to everyone who took the time to write a nomination – we greatly appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness you took to recognize your mentors.

About the Neil Mackenzie Mentorship Excellence Award

Dr. Neil Mackenzie was a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Brömme’s lab at the CBR. Neil was a dedicated and caring mentor whose encouraging and motivating words and actions were sincerely appreciated by all those whom he touched – colleagues, friends, and students. He tragically passed away in a climbing accident at Joffre Peak on Sunday, January 11, 2015

In Neil’s memory, each year CBR recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to mentorship and the development of others through the Neil Mackenzie Mentorship Excellence Award. CBR members have the opportunity to nominate their mentors for the award, and the recipient is announced at CBR Research Day in August.

To honour his legacy, you can make an impact by donating to the Neil Mackenzie in Memoriam Fund.