UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Katherine Zipp, associate professor of environmental and resource economics in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has received the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award for postdoctoral scholars from the Penn State Postdoctoral Society.
The award, presented annually by the Penn State Postdoctoral Society Executive Council, recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to mentoring postdoctoral scholars and fellows. Zipp was honored during a ceremony held June 12.
Zipp said the recognition reflects the relationships she has built with her mentees and the collaborative nature of academic work.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award, but the real privilege is working alongside outstanding graduate students and postdoctoral scholars such as Dr. Grace Wildermuth, who nominated me,” Zipp said. “Mentoring is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a professor because we can help early-career researchers develop their confidence, realize their potential and achieve their goals.”
She emphasized the importance of mentorship in an increasingly competitive academic landscape.
“As funding becomes increasingly competitive, I believe it’s more important than ever to invest the time to truly mentor our students and postdocs, support their professional growth, and recognize the invaluable contributions they make to research and scholarship,” she said.
Grace Wildermuth, a postdoctoral scholar under Zipp’s mentorship, nominated her for the award and highlighted the impact Zipp has had on her academic and personal development.
“In community with other graduate students and postdocs, I have learned the profound impact that advisors and mentors can make on the career and wellbeing of early-career scholars,” Wildermuth said. “I am incredibly fortunate to have had the guidance and support of outstanding mentors throughout my education and now postdoc appointment at Penn State, Dr. Zipp primary among them.”
Wildermuth said Zipp’s mentorship goes beyond academic guidance, speaking on her consistent support and leadership.
“Dr. Zipp pours a lot of time, energy and passion into being an exceptional mentor and advisor, work that can often be largely invisible or unrewarded,” she said. “She consistently offers both professional and personal support, has been an advocate when needed, and serves as a role model for the way I want to show up as a mentor in my own career.”
She also described Zipp’s ability to foster a productive and supportive research environment.
“She very naturally creates an environment that allows me to do my best work by providing positive feedback, making sure I feel appreciated for my contributions, and guiding my continued learning,” Wildermuth said. “She provides constructive criticism in a way that opens the door for improvement and forward progress.”
Zipp said she hopes her mentorship leaves a lasting impact on those she works with.
“I hope every mentee I work with feels supported, valued and empowered to succeed in whatever career path they choose,” she said.