School of Computing professor Mike Kirby will be awarded the 2018 University Distinguished Mentor Award during the College of Engineering’s convocation ceremony.
The award was established by the Graduate School to honor faculty members who consistently serve as effective mentors of graduate students. It also recognizes faculty who stand out for effectively guiding students throughout their professional training in a continuing, multifaceted partnership sustained by mutual respect and concern.
Kirby is an outstanding researcher, teacher and contributor to the university. Since joining the University of Utah in 2002 he has advised dozens of students, many of which have gone onto successful research careers. His dedication and commitment is evident in the nominations that were submitted from his students.
“Dr. Kirby is incisive and encouraging with students. He saw potential where I had self-doubt and was the one who helped me believe I could accomplish more than I myself thought possible,” said Ph.D. student, Vidhi Zala. “Being the first from my family to attend grad school, it was a dream come true to get a Ph.D. position under Dr. Kirby.”
“Professor Kirby cares deeply for his students and not just academically,” said one of his former students, Hashita Venkata (M.S., ’16). “He actively inquires about the problems faced by graduate students and tries to do everything in his power to alleviate them.”
Kirby will be presented the award on May 4 during graduation.
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