Congratulations to the 2025 Graduate Faculty Mentorship Award recipients! This prestigious award, presented by the Ohio State Graduate School, honors the exceptional guidance and support provided by graduate faculty to master’s, doctoral, and professional students.
The Graduate Faculty Mentorship Award recognizes three tenure-track or tenured faculty members annually for their outstanding mentorship. These faculty members are celebrated for their dedication to fostering academic and professional growth, as well as their commitment to helping students develop transferable skills for diverse career paths. Each recipient is awarded $1,000 and a certificate in recognition of their contributions.
This year’s awardees have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentoring, significantly impacting the lives and careers of their students. Their efforts have not only enhanced the academic success of their mentees but also contributed to their personal and professional development.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 recipients for their remarkable achievements and dedication to mentorship. Your exemplary guidance and support have made a lasting difference in the lives of your students and the broader academic community. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the Ohio State University and for setting a high standard of excellence in mentorship.
2025 Graduate Faculty Mentorship Award Recipients
James Fuchs
Professor
Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy
College of Pharmacy
James Fuchs is a dedicated and compassionate mentor who focuses on the growth and success of his students. He creates an environment where creativity, resilience and problem-solving are central to research and professional development. Understanding that each student has unique needs, he customizes his mentorship to provide the right balance of guidance and independence. Since joining Ohio State in 2007, he has mentored more than 50 undergraduate and graduate students and served on more than 125 dissertation committees.
David Hoffmann
Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor
Department of History
College of Arts and Sciences
A distinguished mentor, David Hoffmann's dedication and empathy have significantly impacted his students' academic and professional journeys. Over his 30 years at Ohio State, he has advised nearly 20 PhD students, over 25 MA theses and served on more than 100 graduate committees. His support, feedback and expertise have been crucial in helping students achieve success. Hoffmann's mentorship emphasizes active engagement, precise feedback and creating a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and professionally.
Rachel Louis Kajfez
Associate Professor
Department of Engineering Education
College of Engineering
Rachel Louis Kajfez's approach to mentorship is characterized by thoughtful planning, continuous improvement and building a supportive atmosphere. Throughout her career, she has guided many undergraduate researchers, graduate students and early career faculty, providing essential support and feedback. Her mentorship focuses on active engagement, precise feedback and connecting theoretical research to real-world outcomes. Kajfez's dedication to her students' success extends beyond their time at the university as she continues to offer guidance and support in their career development.