Feb. 28, 2012

Rachel Kaplan, the Samuel Trask Dana Professor of Environment and Behavior at the School of Natural Resources and Environment, has received the 2012 Rackham Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award. The annual award honors and encourages the efforts and accomplishments of University of Michigan faculty who serve as effective mentors of doctoral students. Recipients are recognized for service as adviser, teacher, advocate, sponsor and role model.

Kaplan joined SNRE in 1973 as an associate professor and has been a professor since 1978. She has a dual appointment in the Department of Psychology within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. In 2000, her work was honored by the school when she was named the Samuel Trask Dana Professor.

She has served on more than 70 doctoral committees (chairing or co-chairing 41) and 47 master's committees.

The Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award is part of the Graduate School's ongoing efforts to foster a culture of mentoring and to increase awareness that such mentors serve as models for all U-M faculty. Other 2012 Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award recipients are:

• Jeffrey Fessler, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, professor of biomedical engineering, and professor of radiology
• Lorraine Gutierrez, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, professor of ssychology, and professor of social work
• James Morrow, professor of political science and research professor, Center for Political Studies

SNRE Professor Bobbi Low won the award in 2007.

More details: http://www.rackham.umich.edu/faculty_staff/awards/faculty_awards/distinguished_graduate_mentor_award/