Gabriele Ludewig believes that self-motivation and enthusiasm for research make a successful graduate scholar.
As Director of Graduate Studies for the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, Ludewig helps foster these traits with her philosophy on mentoring.
“I give my students a lot of freedom and my door is always open,” says Ludewig, a faculty member in human toxicology and professor of occupational and environmental health. “I meet with students regularly to discuss what’s going on in the lab and classroom and beyond.”
Ludewig was recognized for her mentoring with the 2011 Environmental Mutagenesis Society (EMS) Student Education Award. The award acknowledges mentors who deserve appreciation for their impact on the careers of EMS members.
While receiving the award is an honor, Ludewig’s real recognition comes from her graduate students. Nomination letters from her students were provided during the award ceremony. Her students said she represents the ideals of what an advisor stands for, takes time from a busy schedule to provide advice on both scientific and career issues, and stimulates students and postdoctoral scholars to attend meetings and make connections within the scientific community.
For Ludewig, it’s all about the excitement created from the scientific discovery and the relationships between faculty and students.
“Human toxicology faculty members are not here for the money. We are here for the stimulation and the joy that comes from research and mentoring,” Ludewig says.
Ludewig’s mentoring of her students doesn’t stop when they earn their Ph.D. In many ways, that’s only the first chapter of her commitment to their success. She does everything she can to help them find employment in the field of human toxicology.
“I tell the students, ‘You have to find your place, the place that fits to your personality.’ They have a wide range of career choices,” Ludewig says. “They can go into industry, into government, into academia. When I see all the students find the place where they’re happy, that’s wonderful. It means that our efforts were worth it.”