Training and Mentoring | CDI

Caswell Diabetes Institute Mentee-Mentor Awards Program

The Caswell Diabetes Institute (CDI) recognizes that effective mentoring is vital to advancing diabetes, obesity, nutrition, and metabolism research by fostering a community of excellence, collaboration, and inspiration. Mentors provide invaluable guidance and support, shaping the next generation of researchers, while mentees bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm that drive innovation. The CDI Mentee-Mentor Awards Program celebrates outstanding mentors and mentees who exemplify excellence, leadership, and inclusivity, reinforcing our commitment to a thriving, supportive research community and motivating continued engagement across all levels.

Objectives  

• Recognize and celebrate exceptional contributions in training, research, and mentorship.
• Promote the values of collaboration, skill development, and inclusivity within diabetes, metabolism, nutrition, and obesity research.
• Inspire participants to uphold high standards in research, leadership, and mentorship.
• Highlight the impact of effective training and mentoring on advancing diabetes prevention, treatment, and care.

Award Categories

1. Outstanding Mentee Award  
For undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or junior faculty participants demonstrating excellence in leadership, collaboration, and/or community engagement within diabetes or obesity research.

2. Distinguished Mentor Award  
For faculty and staff mentors demonstrating exceptional commitment to supporting trainees’ career development, fostering inclusive and effective mentoring relationships, and enhancing the CDI learning community.

3. Peer Mentor Recognition Award
For trainees who have significantly contributed to the peer mentorship and collective growth of their cohort. <

4. Community Engagement, Outreach and Service Award 
For individuals who have made notable contributions through outreach activities, such as high school nutrition education or public engagement initiatives or service to the community.

Eligibility 
Open to all CDI-affiliated mentee and mentors actively participating in CDI Training and Mentoring Program activities.

Nominations 
Nominations require a succinct statement (500 words or less) highlighting nominees’ achievements and impact, supported by relevant documentation (e.g., mentorship examples, outreach activities, research accomplishments). Multiple nominators are encouraged to collaborate on a single application if they are nominating the same person. Peer and self-nominations accepted.

Criteria 
Demonstrated excellence in mentorship, collaboration, inclusive practice, and/or community outreach, as outlined per award category.

Award Benefits 

• Awards Ceremony and Public Acknowledgment
• Certificate of achievement and small monetary award
• Highlighted profiles on CDI’s website, newsletters, and social media outlets
• Opportunities to participate as peer mentors or speakers at future CDI events

The nomination deadline for 2026 has ended.

F31/32 Grant Writing Series

These workshops assist with crafting and peer reviewing personal statements, career development plans and research plans.

If interested in future Grant Writing workshops, please email [email protected]

The Career Development Series provides trainees and early-career researchers with opportunities to explore diverse career pathways, develop professional skills, and gain insights from experienced leaders across academia, industry, government, and healthcare. Through engaging presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants gain practical knowledge and guidance to support their long-term career success.This group meets on the 4th Friday from 12-1 at NCRC. To learn more information and/or to join our emailing list, please email [email protected]

2026-05-27 Modulation of accumbens dopamine by MCH neurons during learning and consummatory behavior Potter LE

2026-05-21 Evaluating Metrics Assessing Surgical Success in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery Li Y

2026-05-13 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Signaling Activates Beige Adipocytes and Mediates Systemic Metabolism Liu S 

2026-05-08 Adaptation of white adipocytes to cooler temperatures: impacts on energy metabolism and protein acetylation Mori H

2026-05-06 Retroperitoneal Schwannoma with a Novel PRCC::TFE3 Fusion: Expanding the Spectrum of Schwannomas with a TFE3 Gene Rearrangement Perry K

LINKS

• CIMER – Center for Improved Mentored Experiences in Research https://cimerproject.org/
• MyIDP  https://myidp.sciencecareers.org/
• MORE – Mentoring Others in Research Excellence 
  https://rackham.umich.edu/faculty-and-staff/resources-for-directors/mentoring/ 
   

MENTORING AGREEMENTS

For undergrads:  Blank sheet  or  Template

For grad students:

For clinical fellows:

Basic Mechanisms of Diabetes Postdoctoral T32 MEND

MSCA European Postdoc Fellowships

UAB Postdoc T32 in Obesity Research

TOS Awards for Dissertations/MS Theses

Michigan Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (M-SURE)