Adel Pezeshki, associate professor in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences, received the Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award at the Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarships and Awards Banquet in March.
Pezeshki has worked in the department since 2016, serving as the primary advisor for eight Ph.D. and two master’s students. Additionally, he served as a committee member for 25 graduate students across multiple programs.
“Receiving this award is both meaningful and humbling,” Pezeshki said. “Mentorship is a task I take very seriously, and seeing my efforts recognized is very rewarding. I see this award not only as a personal honor, but also as a reflection of the dedication and accomplishments of all the hard work of my students.”
He takes a holistic approach with his mentoring philosophy, hoping to build students into independent professionals through scholarly excellence, intellectual rigor and ethical conduct. A pillar of building independence is stimulating critical thinking and curiosity.
“We have weekly meetings and discuss their data,” Pezeshki said. “One thing I always ask my students is how they interpret their results. You can look at prior studies or publications, but what’s new to your research? That’s kind of challenging.”
Early in the program, Pezeshki provides structured guidance and oversight. As students continue to progress, he gradually gives them more self-reliance with their projects, with the hope of building independence.
Beyond technical skills, Pezeshki also hopes to help students develop strong writing and communication skills, areas he encourages students to build up through workshops and classes at OSU.
“The most rewarding part is seeing how they are evolving over time,” Pezeshki said. “To see that they entered the program with very little experience in communication and technical skills, and by the time they graduate, they know many skills to take into the future.”
Pezeshki said he was drawn into research by his advisors’ passion for their work. He hopes to reach that level of passion in his work that can be transferred to his students.
“Dr. Pezeshki embodies what true graduate mentorship should be: intentional, individualized and committed to student growth,” said Cynda Clary, associate dean for academic programs. “His dedication to preparing students not just as scientists, but as leaders and professionals, is evident in the success and confidence of those he mentors.”
Additionally, Pezeshki won the 2021 Phoenix Faculty Award from the Graduate and Professional Student Government Association of Oklahoma State University and the Don M. Tyler Award from the animal and food sciences department at OSU for his mentoring and teaching activities.
“I have had the opportunity to closely observe his contributions to graduate education, mentorship and professional development,” said Richard Coffey, department head for animal and food sciences. “He exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding graduate mentor — intellectual rigor and genuine investment in the success of graduate trainees.”
