Marina von Keyserlingk wins national graduate mentorship award
April 9, 2025 – Dr. Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk, a professor in the Animal Welfare Program, has been awarded the 2024 Dr. Suning Wang Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship by the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS). She is the first UBC Professor to receive this award.
A globally recognized leader in animal welfare science, Dr. von Keyserlingk has made significant contributions through her extensive research, publishing over 350 peer-reviewed articles with strong student collaboration. Among her many accolades, Dr. von Keyserlingk has earned all three Killam Prizes for research, teaching, and mentorship, highlighting her profound impact on both her field and the academic development of her students.
Dr. von Keyserlingk is celebrated for her holistic, individualized approach to mentorship, fostering a supportive environment that encourages students’ personal and professional growth. She emphasizes early identification of student needs, collaborative learning, and the cultivation of leadership skills, while also assisting students in securing research funding and publishing their work. Her efforts to build a strong, inclusive community within her lab extend beyond graduation, as she continues to support former students in advancing their careers across academia, government, industry, and non-profit sectors. Her mentorship philosophy has created a lasting legacy, empowering a global network of scholars dedicated to improving animal welfare.
“My goal when mentoring graduate students is to inspire a passion for research and a dedication to rigorous, honest and creative scientific work. I strive to create a community of people that are proud of their growth while working in my lab, feel supported and develop the skills they need to embark on their next adventure.”
— Dr. Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk