The Penn State Postdoctoral Society has announced postdoctoral researcher Glen Sterner III and Distinguished Professor of Entomology Christina Grozinger as the recipients of the 2018 Outstanding Postdoc Award and Outstanding Postdoc Mentor Award, respectively.
Sterner, who received his doctorate in rural sociology from Penn State, served as a postdoc with Penn State's Justice Center for Research. He was nominated for the Outstanding Postdoc Award by professors Gary Zajac, Derek Kreager, Pete Forster and Ashton Verdery for his extensive publication record, success at procuring grants, commitment to outreach, and dedication to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Sterner is now an assistant professor at Penn State Abington.
In addition to her professorship, Grozinger is also the director of the Center for Pollinator Research. She was nominated by current and former postdocs of her lab Rong Ma, Maggie Douglas, Dave Galbraith and Doug Sponsler, who wrote that she is "a supportive and encouraging mentor, and her effective mentorship directly translates to both research productivity and subsequent careers for her postdoctoral mentees.” The Outstanding Postdoc Mentor Award recognizes Grozinger's dedication to the growth of her postdoctoral mentees through providing opportunities to write grants, guest lecture, and attend scientific meetings, along with her attention to their well-being by supporting a balanced work and family life and maintaining consistent, open communication.
Both Grozinger and Sterner will be presented with plaques formally acknowledging their honors at the 11th Annual Postdoc Research Exhibition, which will be held at 3:45 p.m. on Sept. 28, in Room 129 AB in the HUB-Robeson Center. The exhibition is jointly organized by the the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Penn State Postdoctoral Society, and more details can be found online at www.research.psu.edu/opa.