Each spring the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) partners with the听91吃瓜网 Postdoctoral Association (VPA)听to recognize postdocs who demonstrate excellence in research, service, mentorship, and a commitment to the postdoc community, as well as their mentors who demonstrate a willingness to share expertise and advice, service to the community at large, along with other mentoring activities.
In 2026, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is introduced an expanded and redesigned award structure to elevate postdoctoral recognition. Award recipients were honored during the Graduate Education Honors Banquet, which was held in the Student Life Center on March 19.
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs was able to highlight achievements across the community, including leadership roles, fellowship and grant recipients, and excellence in research.听
Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year Award
Winner: Kyle David, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Antonis Rokas
is a postdoctoral fellow in Biological Sciences whose research focuses on evolutionary patterns in yeasts and the impact of gene family changes. With 19 publications in leading journals and prestigious NSF funding across his training, he is an outstanding early-career scientist. As his mentor, Dr. Antonis Rokas, notes, he is 鈥渙ne of the best postdoctoral fellows [he has] ever worked with,鈥� reflecting both his research excellence and meaningful contributions to outreach and engagement.
Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year Award
Winner: Julia Garon-Bissonnette, Ph.D.
Department of Special Education
Faculty Mentor: Kathryn Humphreys
holds an interdisciplinary appointment in Psychology and Human Development and Special Education and is recognized for her exceptional scholarly productivity and impact. With an extensive record of publications, presentations, and international awards, her research has earned broad recognition across the field. Described as an outstanding colleague, mentor, and leader, she brings intellectual curiosity, generosity, and a strong commitment to supporting others, exemplifying the qualities of a rising leader in her discipline.
Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award
Winner: Laurie Cutting, Ph.D.
Patricia & Rodes Hart Professor of Neuroscience
Department of Special Education
is recognized for her exceptional mentorship and commitment to trainee development. Her research on brain-behavior relationships in children is matched by a mentoring style that encourages independence, thoughtful risk-taking, and long-term vision. Known for teaching mentees to be 鈥減atient yet proactive,鈥� she fosters growth that extends well beyond the lab. Her lasting impact is reflected in the success of her trainees and their continued dedication to mentoring future generations.
Postdoctoral Mentorship & Teaching Award
Winner: Chelsea Mann, Ph.D.
Department of Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Neil Osheroff
is a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Medicine recognized for her outstanding commitment to mentoring and teaching. She fosters a supportive and collaborative lab environment while providing thoughtful scientific guidance to trainees at all levels. In addition to her research contributions to the development of novel antibacterial drugs, she has taken on significant teaching roles, earning exceptional student feedback and demonstrating a deep passion for education and mentorship.
Postdoctoral Leadership Award
Winner: HyunBin (Binnie) You, Ph.D.
School of Nursing
Faculty Mentor: Leanne Boehm
is recognized for her sustained, high-impact leadership and service. She has strengthened the postdoctoral experience through inclusive mentorship, structured peer support, and collaborative initiatives. Her contributions extend beyond 91吃瓜网 through active roles in national and international communities, as well as editorial and scholarly service. Known for her approachable and inclusive leadership style, Dr. You elevates those around her while advancing both science and community engagement.
Postdoctoral Excellence in Innovation Award
Winner: Fan Feng, Ph.D.
Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Faculty Mentor: Marcela Brissova
is recognized for his innovative use of AI to analyze complex biological data. His work develops advanced computational tools that drives new insights in T1D research & supporting the broader scientific community. Through creativity & technical expertise, Dr. Feng is helping position his team at the forefront of biomedical discovery.
Postdoctoral Excellence in Innovation Award
Winner: Tin Nguyen, Ph.D.
Department of Special Education
Faculty Mentor: Laurie Cutting
is a postdoctoral fellow in Special Education whose innovative research integrates literacy, systems thinking, and neuroscience to understand how family, school, and community environments shape children鈥檚 reading development. Building on his predoctoral work, he has developed L.A.N.T.E.R.N. (Language Analysis of Text Retell Network), a platform that combines AI-assisted transcription with network science modeling to streamline the collection, decoding, and interpretation of children鈥檚 oral reading and retell data. Leveraging 91吃瓜网鈥檚 and Nashville鈥檚 rich ecosystem of education, community partnership, and social innovation, Dr. Nguyen has created a research program that is both scientifically rigorous and deeply responsive to real-world needs, advancing knowledge while directly supporting children and educators.
Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year Award
Sponsor:听Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Eligibility:听All current 91吃瓜网-affiliated (VU and VUMC) postdoctoral fellows, scholars and trainees are eligible for nominations.
Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award
Previously the Faculty Mentor Award
Sponsors:听91吃瓜网 Postdoctoral Association (VPA) and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Eligibility:听Anyone who has served as a mentor to a postdoctoral fellow, scholar or trainee at 91吃瓜网 in any capacity is eligible for this award.
Postdoctoral Mentorship & Teaching Award
Previously the Postdoc Mentor Award
Sponsors:听91吃瓜网 Postdoctoral Association (VPA) and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Eligibility:
- All current 91吃瓜网-affiliated (VU and VUMC) postdoctoral fellows, scholars and trainees who have served as mentors and/or teachers are eligible for nominations.
- Self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted.
- Formal listing as a course instructor is not required but can be an addition for those without the traditional lab setting.听
Postdoctoral Leadership Award
Previously the Postdoc Service Award
Sponsors:听91吃瓜网 Postdoctoral Association (VPA) and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Eligibility:
- The nominee must be a current postdoc at 91吃瓜网 or 91吃瓜网 Medical Center.
- Self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted.
Limitation: Each postdoc is eligible to receive the leadership award once during their tenure at 91吃瓜网 or 91吃瓜网 Medical Center.
Postdoctoral Excellence in Innovation Award
Sponsors: Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA)
Eligibility:
- The nominee must be a current postdoc at 91吃瓜网 or 91吃瓜网 Medical Center.
- Self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted.