Dr. Jaqueline Duncan, assistant dean for clinical education, and Kshitiz, associate professor of biomedical engineering at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, received the 2026 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award.
The award, currently in its fourth year, recognizes a faculty member for their exceptional junior faculty mentoring activities.
“Mentoring is a critical component of professional growth for all our early and mid-career career faculty” stated Dr. Anna Dongari-Bagtzoglou, associate dean of faculty affairs in the School of Dental Medicine. “Faculty mentors who participate in our formal junior faculty mentoring program or are part of an informal collegial mentoring network in our School can contribute significantly to their mentees’ academic success and career satisfaction. This is a tremendous recognition and a well-deserved award for Drs. Duncan and Kshitiz.”
Duncan was nominated for this award by several clinical faculty members. The nominating faculty described her as an invaluable mentor and source of support, while others stated that the distinguishing factor of her mentorship is not only the depth of her knowledge and experience, but her genuine investment in the success of others. Duncan, the nominating faculty said, has created an environment in which junior faculty feel supported and empowered.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from colleagues I admire and respect, said Duncan. “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from mentors who generously shared their wisdom, challenged me to grow, and influenced the way I approach my work and mentorship. One of the greatest privileges of my career has been the opportunity to mentor and support colleagues as they navigate their own professional journeys. While I may have been in a position to offer guidance and encouragement, I have found that these relationships are never one-sided. I have learned so much from those I have had the opportunity to mentor—their ideas, perspectives, curiosity, and dedication have enriched my own journey and reminded me of how much we all gain from one another.”
As a research-intensive faculty, Kshitiz has provided mentorship to several junior faculty by offering guidance and supporting the development of their grant applications as independent investigators, as well as providing opportunities for collaborations. The nominating faculty noted that his mentorship has helped trainees secure fellowships, publish impactful research, develop independent scientific identities, and pursue ambitious career goals.
“I have been fortunate to find myself surrounded by people of the highest caliber, and it has been a privilege and to be in a position to shape, and be part of their professional trajectory in a little way,” said Kshitiz.
Candidates for the award were reviewed by the Faculty Development Advisory Committee, comprised of senior and junior faculty from basic and clinical sciences. The recipient receives a $1,500 Academic Enhancement fund and a commemorative plaque.
