We are excited to announce that Dr. Jeremy Hsu, associate professor of biological sciences at the Schmid College of Science and Technology, has been named the awardee of the 2026 Biology Faculty Mentor – Early Career Award by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR).

This award recognizes scientists in the field of biology who excel in mentoring undergraduate students engaged in research. We had the chance to talk with Dr. Hsu about the importance of mentorship within undergraduate research and what this award means to him.

Dr. Hsu (center right) pictured with members of the Chapman Biology Education Research group.

Within his lab, the Chapman Biology Education Research group, Dr. Hsu mentors a team of undergraduate students in research examining the experiences of STEM students and faculty to improve biology and STEM education. His mentorship within his lab, in his words, “centers around promoting students’ growth and development as scientists and inspiring students to find their own joys in research.” He works “individually with each student, listening and supporting their career goals, and structuring (his) guidance and mentoring to best support students’ development.” Dr. Hsu says, “It’s been a joy seeing students develop as scientists, and I’m lucky that so many of my students have had the opportunity to present their research at national and regional conferences!”

In addition to his roles as a professor and mentoring students within his lab, Dr. Hsu also serves as the assistant director for undergraduate research and creative activities with the Chapman Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE), where he works to develop both student-facing and faculty-facing resources and programs to support research and creative activities both inside and outside of the classroom across Chapman’s campus. He is especially proud of the student toolkit he helped develop, which helps students learn about research opportunities available to them and how to get started, as well as CUE’s new Research and Creative Activities Course Grant, which provides financial support to faculty members who mentor students with research and creative activities in their courses. Through his work at Schmid College and Chapman University, Dr. Hsu has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentoring our students as they engage in research.

When asked what being named the 2026 Biology Faculty Mentor – Early Career Awardee means to him, Dr. Hsu said, “I’m honored to win this award, and it really is a testament to the amazing students and trainees in my lab group whom I’ve been privileged to work with. I’ve been amazed at my students’ dedication, passion, and hard work, and they’ve produced findings that help us better understand and improve teaching and learning in biology and across STEM.  I’m so grateful for Chapman and Schmid College for continually supporting undergraduate research!

Congratulations, Dr. Hsu, on this well-deserved recognition!