Celebrating excellence in mentoring at SEAS

Biomedical engineer Sujata Bhatia and computer scientist David C. Parkes were honored today with the Capers and Marion McDonald Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Advising at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).

Established at SEAS in 2008 by Capers W. McDonald and Marion K. McDonald, the award recognizes leaders in engineering and applied sciences “who, as exemplary mentors and advisors, have significantly and consistently supported the personal and professional development of others.”

Parkes was selected for the annual award in 2012, while he was away on sabbatical. As a result, both Parkes and Bhatia were today recognized at an All Hands Meeting of faculty and staff, where they received engraved medals from Dean Cherry A. Murray.

“By recognizing individuals who so generously lend their leadership and experience to others’ development, and who consistently perform above and beyond the call of duty, the McDonald Mentoring Award immeasurably strengthens the community we call SEAS,” Murray said.