Celebrating MIT’s 2023-25 Committed to Caring Faculty for Exceptional Student Mentorship

At MIT, a unique spirit of compassion is intricately woven into the educational experience. As students adapt to a new normal in the aftermath of the pandemic, numerous professors have taken on crucial roles, assisting them in navigating the complexities of hybrid learning and the evolving landscape they face after graduation.

Honoring Exceptional Mentorship

The Committed to Caring (C2C) program at MIT is a student-led initiative that honors faculty members who have excelled as mentors to graduate students. For the period of 2023-25, twenty-three MIT professors have been awarded the C2C accolade, representing the largest group of recipients to date. These distinguished individuals join a select group of 75 previous C2C awardees.

The commitment demonstrated by these faculty members over the past two years highlights their deep dedication to the welfare, growth, and success of their students. These educators consistently exceed expectations, showcasing unwavering support for mentorship, inclusion, and a comprehensive approach to student development. Their goal is to foster a nurturing atmosphere where students can not only achieve academic success but also thrive personally.

Student-Led Selection and Participation

Since its inception in 2014 by the Office of Graduate Education, the C2C program has placed student participation at its core. Graduate students from various disciplines are encouraged to submit nomination letters that detail the exceptional mentorship practices of their professors. A committee composed of graduate students and staff then selects individuals who have made significant contributions to MIT’s vibrant academic community through their mentorship efforts.

This year’s selection committee featured a diverse group: Maria Carreira (Biology), Rima Das (Mechanical Engineering), Ahmet Gulek (Economics), Bishal Thapa (Biological Engineering), Katie Rotman (Architecture), Dóra Takács (Linguistics), Dan Korsun (Nuclear Science and Engineering), Leslie Langston (Student Mental Health and Counseling), Patricia Nesti (MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), Beth Marois (Office of Graduate Education [OGE]), Sara Lazo (OGE), and Chair Suraiya Baluch (OGE).

Stories of Compassion and Inclusion

Nomination letters this year showcased remarkable narratives about how professors provided support to their students. Many students expressed gratitude for their mentors’ commitment to regular meetings despite their demanding schedules, as well as their efforts to ensure equitable access to opportunities for underrepresented and underserved groups.

Some students highlighted their advisors’ thoughtful consideration of individual needs when navigating professional advancement, while others appreciated active support for peers within the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, many reflected on how advisors encouraged open discussions about the graduate unionization vote, showcasing a genuine interest in addressing graduate student concerns.

“Working with the outstanding selection committee was the highlight of my work year. I was deeply impressed by the thoughtful deliberation that each nomination received. Selecting the next round of C2C nominees is always an uplifting experience.” – Suraiya Baluch

Das added, “Being part of the selection committee as someone who aspires to be a faculty member one day was an incredible opportunity to learn about the various ways one can be a compassionate mentor in academia.” She further noted, “It was uplifting to hear about the different ways these faculty members go beyond their research and teaching responsibilities, making a profound impact on students’ well-being and their success in graduate studies.”

Strengthening MIT’s Culture of Mentorship

The Committed to Caring program continues to strengthen MIT’s culture of mentorship, inclusion, and collaboration by recognizing the valuable contributions of exceptional professors. In the upcoming months, articles will feature profiles of honorees, and a reception is planned for May.