Each year, the Center for Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) at Pace University organizes the Fall Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Presentation Series. This virtual event allows students who have received summer undergraduate research awards to present their original work, develop communication skills, and connect with the university community.
In 2023, a Pace alumnus attended the series and was impressed by both the quality of student research and the influence of faculty mentorship. Inspired by this experience, the alumnus made a donation to recognize faculty mentors. Assistant Provost for Research Maria Iacullo-Bird worked with the CURE Faculty Advisory Board to establish the Faculty Undergraduate Research Mentor Award using these funds. The award aims to honor faculty members who have shown exceptional guidance in supporting undergraduate research at Pace.
Since its inception, two groups of faculty have been recognized: Adrienne Kapstein and Sid Ray in 2024; Eric Brenner, Nancy Krucher, Elmer-Rico Mojica, and Christelle Scharff in 2025.
Adrienne Kapstein is an associate professor and program head in acting and performance making at Sands College of Performing Arts. She has involved more than 35 students and alumni in over a dozen artistic projects across several countries during her tenure at Pace. “For me, mentoring is another kind of collaboration,” she explains. “There is a give and take between mentor and mentee, and oftentimes the lines blur as to who is leading whom. Although I have more experience, and I am excited to share it, there are many moments when the student’s fresh eye or alternative perspective gives me new insight. Mentoring is reciprocal, nourishing, and energizing.” Kapstein added that receiving the inaugural award was “a great honor and further confirmation of how important Pace values and supports undergraduate research.”
Sid Ray is a professor of English whose academic focus includes Shakespearean literature, dramaturgy, and performance studies. She noted: “Mentoring students in this hyper-focused way and scaling it up has been deeply rewarding,” Ray says. “It empowers students, giving them authority over their ideas, and life skills for accessing and presenting knowledge in their careers after Pace. It also teaches us the importance of place-based, experiential education.” Reflecting on her recognition she said: “I was deeply honored to receive the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award in 2024,” she says. “Working with students, acting as their research assistant to help them find gems of information and knowledge that add to our understanding of the ground beneath our feet, that tell those untold stories, has been a great joy.”
Eric Brenner serves as an associate professor in biology at Dyson College of Arts and Sciences. His expertise includes plant science areas such as pathogen resistance and evolution. He developed Plant Tracer software used for educational purposes beyond Pace University. “Teaching our Pace undergraduate students is not just very important to me—it is truly a personal mission,” he says. “These undergraduates are the driving force behind my research program, and they represent the next generation of science.” Brenner emphasizes preparing students for global challenges: “Educating students about plant care is essential for food security.” He adds: “Plants are fundamental to life on our Earth, teaching the next generations of scientists to manage our environment and food sources is critical to survival.”
Nancy Krucher has taught pre-med courses at Pace for 25 years with a focus on cancer research supported by multiple grants from national health institutes totaling $1.8 million since 2002. Her current work involves strategies for treating various cancers using targeted therapies. Recalling her own introduction to scientific inquiry as an undergraduate she states: “As a first-generation college student, scientific research was a complete mystery to me when I entered college,” she says. “I was hooked on research after my undergraduate research experience and now love to share that excitement for research with Pace undergraduates.” She describes mentoring as central: “My interaction and mentorship of undergraduate students in my research laboratory is the most important and rewarding part of my work as a professor.”
Elmer-Rico Mojica is a chemistry professor who has mentored over 100 undergraduates since joining Pace University in 2012; his mentees have presented nationally at conferences—some winning awards—and contributed significantly through publications or further study opportunities like REUs or graduate programs. As director of Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program he leads support initiatives for underrepresented STEM majors while securing renewed funding for expanded outreach efforts benefiting additional students each year.“Mentoring undergraduate students is among the few opportunities that afford extended one-on-one teaching. It’s where the impact is deepest; it’s the purest form of teaching,” he says.“This award isn’t just about me,” he reflects.“It’s about every student who spent time in lab… They’re reason I mentor.”
Christelle Scharff holds roles as computer science professor/associate dean/director AI Lab within Seidenberg School; her applied AI work spans creativity/fashion/social good applications—supported by organizations like NSF/IBM/Microsoft/Google—and she promotes interdisciplinary partnerships plus international collaborations.“For me mentoring about empowering students think critically explore new ideas grow into contributors knowledge,” says Scharff.“I love witnessing their evolution throughout journey.” She continues,“Receiving 2025 Faculty Undergraduate Research Mentor Award true honor.”
More details on CURE activities—including future nomination calls—are available via its website.
