Grande-Allen receives Presidential Mentoring Award

K. Jane Grande-Allen, associate professor in bioengineering, was selected for the 2009 Presidential Mentoring Award given annually to Rice University faculty members who demonstrate a strong commitment to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

“Her passion for optimizing students’ academic and research experiences is evident in everything she does. Through instruction and countless informal conversations with individual students, she compels them to grow and achieve,” said Jennifer West, chair of the Department of Bioengineering.

Since joining Rice in 2003, Grande-Allen has advised two postdoctoral fellows, nine doctoral students, 48 undergraduates and four high school students. Through her guidance, several Rice students are pursuing careers in academia and industry, and many have received prestigious awards including a Hertz Fellowship, an NIH National Research Service Award, a Goldwater Scholarship, a USA Today All-USA College Academic Team award, two NSF International Research and Education in Engineering grants, two American Association of Thoracic Surgeons Medical Student Summer Intern Scholarships, and three NIH Biotechnology Training Grant Graduate Fellowships.

“There isn't any one reason why Dr. Grande-Allen is so deserving of this award. For me, she has been more than a mentor,” said Steve Xu, one of the many students and alumni who supported her nomination.

Research in Grande Allen’s laboratory applies engineering analysis to understanding heart-valve disease. This involves mechanical testing, biochemical measurements and microstructural analysis of critical components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that makes up cardiovascular tissues.

Shawn Hutchins, Bioengineering