Mike McAlpine Wins Excellence in Postdoctoral Advising Award

ME Professor Mike McAlpine received a 2021-2022 Award for Excellence in Postdoctoral Advising, which recognizes the central role that postdoctoral advising plays at the University. Three faculty members are recognized each year by the Graduate School's Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives. The award shows the University's commitment to supporting an environment of innovation for postdocs from all backgrounds, so they can transition from the University to their dream jobs.

"I was flattered to win the award, but also surprised, since the postdocs I've had have been so great that they mentored me at least as much as I mentored them," McAlpine said. "In particular, I have been incredibly impressed by their perseverance and commitment to their projects and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students throughout the pandemic, maintaining consistent progress and developing groundbreaking ideas despite the challenges faced."

The McAlpine Group has seen postdocs go on to numerous positions in academia, including faculty positions at Virginia Tech, the University of Nebraska, and Washington State University, as well as at international universities. McAlpine said the U is a "perfect place to do a postdoc" due to the vast resources available across the engineering and scientific spectrum combined with the convenience and amenities of the Twin Cities.

Recipients of the 2021-2022 Awards for Excellence in Postdoctoral Advising:

Joseph Gaugler, PhD

Long-Term Care and Aging
School of Public Health

Michael McAlpine, PhD

Mechanical Engineering
College of Science and Engineering

Annie-Laurie McRee, DrPH

Pediatrics
Medical School