Excellence in Mentoring Award
The Excellence in Mentoring Award, presented for the 1st time this year, recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated mastery of the broad spectrum of activities associated with outstanding mentoring of graduate students in the School of Marine Science. The award recognizes the key role faculty play in providing intellectual guidance and fostering the development of their students as scholars, teachers, and professionals.
This year’s recipient of the Excellence in Mentoring Award is Dr. Bongkeun (BK) Song.
BK has served as major or co-major advisor for 12 students since arriving at VIMS in 2015. He also served or is serving on the graduate committees of 9 additional VIMS students and has mentored 15 undergraduates and 3 high school students. His nomination for this award was supported by 11 current and former VIMS students.
Students see BK as an unmatched role model—an inspiring innovator with a contagious curiosity for understanding the microbial world and its role in biogeochemical processes. He also exhibits an enduring passion for ensuring student success and well-being. His student-centric approach highlights a deep commitment to professional development. He supports students in every way possible, working side-by-side in the lab or field, providing guidance through scientific challenges, and nurturing collaborations for future success. BK has high expectations for his students, but remains positive and encouraging. He especially loves to help students celebrate their successes. He’s the kind of advisor who opens his home to a student who can’t get home for the holidays. Both current students and alumni wrote about the profound ways BK has influenced their development as young scientists. They consider him a true mentor, one who always has their best interests at heart. In the words of one VIMS alum, “BK has been there for me every step of the way… He is more than a mentor, he’s family.”
Congratulations, BK!