Utah State University (USU) scientist Sara Freeman has recently been recognized nationally for her dedication to mentoring undergraduate researchers, an accolade that underscores her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists; Sara Freeman, an associate professor in USU’s Department of Biology, received the Council on Undergraduate Research’s 2025 Biology Mentor Early-Career Award, a testament to her extensive work supervising undergraduate research students, according to USU Today.
Sara Freeman's conviction in the transformative power of undergraduate research is rooted deeply in her academic odyssey and evident in the strides her students make under her tutelage, she consistently promotes her research-led teaching style, as well as an inclusive approach to student recruitment and maintaining a hands-on presence in various campus-wide research activities targeted towards students, "Undergraduate research has made the difference in my career — in propelling me as a student to advanced opportunities and as a mentor to current students, I am humbled and honored to be recognized at the national level," Freeman expressed her sentiments, as obtained by USU Today.
USU's Associate Vice President for research, Alexa Sand, commended Freeman, stating, "Dr. Freeman has not only been an exceptional mentor to both graduate and undergraduate student researchers in her lab, but she has embodied the culture of undergraduate research excellence at Utah State", highlighting the professor's consistent attendance at student research symposia where she provides feedback and encourages young researchers, Sand added, as cited by USU Today.
Aside from classroom accolades, Freeman has become known for her impactful one-on-one lab work where she insists on students demonstrating mastery before moving on to independent projects, "I work with students one-on-one in the lab every week until they demonstrate mastery of various techniques, I adjust my advising style to the level of preparation and interests of each student and, after they achieve technical proficiency and demonstrate safety and reliability in the lab, we discuss independent research projects," underlining the personalized approach she takes for each student's development, as Freeman told USU Today.
