CDI celebrates excellence in mentorship and training

On April 6, 2026, the Caswell Diabetes Institute hosted the inaugural CDI Training and Mentoring Awards, bringing together members of the CDI community to celebrate the mentors and mentees whose leadership, collaboration, and dedication continue to shape and strengthen diabetes research at U-M. The CDI Mentee-Mentor Awards Program recognizes the vital role mentorship plays in advancing research in diabetes, obesity, nutrition, and metabolism while fostering a supportive environment where researchers at every career stage can learn, grow, and thrive.

This year’s program honored two outstanding members of the U-M community for their exceptional contributions. Jimena Alvarez-Castanon, a pharmacology PhD student working with Dr. David Lorberbaum, received the Outstanding Mentee Award in recognition of her excellence in research, leadership, collaboration, and community engagement within diabetes and obesity research. Melissa DeJonckheere, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and co-director of the U-M Mixed Methods Program, received the Distinguished Mentor Award for her dedication to supporting trainees’ professional development and cultivating inclusive, impactful mentoring relationships.

In addition to the awards presentation, attendees participated in an engaging panel discussion on mentorship, training, and professional growth, with speakers sharing personal reflections and professional insights from across their careers. The successful inaugural event highlighted CDI’s ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative and inspiring research community where mentorship, connection, and shared learning help drive scientific discovery.