Published:
November 12, 2021

Author:
Office of Marketing and Communications

The Society of Research Fellows (SRF) at Scripps Research, Florida will bestow its 2021 Outstanding Mentor award to Professor Michael Farzan, PhD, chair of the Department of Immunology and Microbiology.

Farzan, an authority on how enveloped viruses enter cells, has made major contributions to the understanding of how SARS coronaviruses, HIV, and other pathogens enter cells to cause illness and spread. He has also advanced gene therapy technologies employing viral vectors. As a faculty member of the Skaggs Graduate School, he has thoughtfully shared knowledge, advice and encouragement with students in his lab and across campus.

The research fellows who nominated Farzan cited his open-door policy, his willingness to discuss ideas and methods, his kindness and agreeability, plus his keen interest in helping them achieve career success.

“He regularly takes time to ask people about their goals and help them map out paths to reaching those goals,” one nominator stated.

“He knows a good balance between pushing and easing the pressure,” another added.

Farzan receives his Outstanding Mentor award during ResearchFest 2021 on Friday, November 19^th from SRF. Other events of the day include a talk from David Sherman, PhD, of the University of Michigan, Life Sciences Institute, along with a mix of in-person and virtual talks from both campuses, and a poster session in the cafeteria. For more information, contact Andrew Steele.