Letter from Phillip De Leon Dear colleagues, Some of the most meaningful moments in our academic lives come not from publications or grants, but from the students we mentor. In my experience, research mentorship was among the greatest joys of my time as a professor—and one of the most high-impact contributions we can make as faculty. Research mentorship transforms students from passive learners into active contributors. Through guided research, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, apply theory to real-world questions, build confidence and independence, strengthen communication skills, and enhance their competitiveness for graduate study and employment. Close collaboration with faculty often becomes a defining influence on students’ academic and career trajectories. We already see outstanding examples of mentorship at CU Denver. Chemistry Associate Professor Jung-Jae Lee has mentored more than 10 students, many of whom have gone on to medical school. For over 20 years, Geography & Environmental Science Associate Professor Rafael Moreno has placed student interns with the National Park Service, launching careers in geographic information system (GIS) and public service. In the College of Arts & Media, Assistant Professor Jiayue Cecilia Wu integrates mentorship into her research on meditation, supporting independent student projects that expand access to careers in the recording industry. Mentorship also benefits faculty. Collaborating with students can increase research productivity, spark new ideas, enrich teaching, and bring renewed purpose and fresh perspectives to our work. Student research advances CU Denver’s mission by addressing community needs, informing policy and practice, and strengthening partnerships beyond campus. A strong culture of mentorship enhances our reputation and impact. I encourage all faculty to consider both big and small ways to mentor research students—inviting a student into a project, supervising an independent study, or mentoring a conference presentation. These experiences can be transformative for students and faculty alike. Thank you for the many ways you support our students. I look forward to continuing to build a culture of discovery at CU Denver. Phillip De Leon
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research | Chief Research Officer
Professor of Electrical Engineering |
