Weiss wins first Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award

Weiss

Presented for the first time this year, this award honors the profoundly influential relationship between faculty advisor and graduate student: “At its best, this mentoring relationship inspires and gives confidence to the student while providing the faculty member with a valued colleague.”

Noel S. Weiss
Professor of Epidemiology (UW Seattle)

In his 26 years with the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Noel Weiss has established an outstanding record as a scientist, as an educator, and as a mentor.

Students who take his epidemiology courses earn what Weiss calls their “union card,” described by one former student as “a lifetime contract for continued assistance and mentorship.” Even more than a decade after leaving the UW for professional posts all over the world, Weiss’ students report that he remains a key advisor, generous colleague, and inspiring role model in their lives and work.

“As word of this award spread through alumni,” wrote one nominator, “people I do not even know felt compelled to tell me how Noel impacted their lives and careers.” The common theme of the stories is Weiss’ generosity and his collegiality.

He’s esteemed for his commitment to make time for students, to offer early research opportunities and credit their work, to help them achieve excellence in their dissertations, and to guide them through their first publications and grant applications. He shares not only scientific expertise, but also insights and advice on building a career in academia and research.

Weiss stays in touch with many of his former students, some on a weekly basis. Among other things, he alerts them to developments in related fields. And he continues to review draft manuscripts and grants (returning them with legendary promptness).

Weiss’ students feel they have become esteemed colleagues whose ideas and opinions he values and seeks out as readily as they do his.