Physics Associate Professor Catherine Herne is the 2024 Mentor of the Year

SUNY New Paltz’s Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (RSCA) office named Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy Catherine Herne the 2024 Faculty Mentor of the Year during the annual Student Research Symposium. 

Since joining the University in 2014, Herne has provided a research home for physics and astronomy students as they pursue time-intensive, scholarly projects. Nomination materials cited her dedication to her students in and out of the science lab as the reason she was deserving this year. 

“Not all mentorship opportunities are in the research lab,” said Interim Associate Dean of the School of Science & Engineering Stacie Nunes, who presented Herne the award. “Mentorship is something that goes beyond the lab and takes tremendous commitment and time, and Catherine is someone who puts that time in.”  

A testimonial from graduating senior Lilliana Kershner ’24 (Physics) read by Nunes asserted Herne’s qualification for the award in no uncertain terms: 

“Professor Herne deftly weaves student research interests with reasonable expectations, and enough guidance to be helpful without being overbearing.” 

As RSCA Faculty Mentor of the Year, Herne receives a $500 award to support professional development. 

The 2024 Student Research Symposium, including all 63 presentations created by more than 90 students and their faculty mentors in diverse academic fields, can be accessed online via this link. 

Click here to learn more about the Mentor of the Year award.