Dr. Cindy Miranti named Outstanding Graduate Advisor in MSU’s College of Natural Science
Grand Rapids, Mich. (April 16, 2010) – Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) Scientific Investigator Cindy Miranti, Ph.D., is being honored today, April 16, as the 2010 Outstanding Graduate Advisor for Michigan State University’s College of Natural Science.
MSU’s College of Natural Science is home to 24 academic departments and programs and more than 400 affiliated faculty.
Dr. Miranti, who heads VARI’s Laboratory of Integrin Signaling and Tumorigenesis, and conducts research on prostate cancer at the Institute, serves as an adjunct assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Physiology as well as assistant professor in the Van Andel Institute Graduate School.
“Dr. Miranti’s selection as Outstanding Graduate Advisor is recognition of her dynamic and effective commitment to the training and development of young scientists,” said Van Andel Education Institute Director Steve Triezenberg, Ph.D. “The award also brings honor to the Van Andel Research Institute and acknowledges the effective role that scientists here have played in the partnership with MSU in training doctoral students.”
"Dr. Miranti’s passion for combining teaching and research is helping develop the next generation of scientific leaders,” said R. James Kirkpatrick, Ph.D., dean of MSU’s College of Natural Science. “Her active engagement of students provides them with a strong and practical skill set for continued scientific research.”
Dr. Miranti was nominated for the award by her students Laura Lamb and Jelani Zarif, who are both enrolled in the interdepartmental Cell and Molecular Biology program at MSU.
“Dr. Miranti takes her students under her wing, embedding in them scientific excellence and direction while supporting membership into national scientific societies, introducing students to field leaders at scientific meetings, teaching important career skills, and helping students like Laura and myself to achieve and exceed our goals,” said Zarif.
“We both came to this lab not only because we were interested in the research, but also because of the impression we got of who Dr. Miranti would be as a mentor during our doctoral rotations and subsequent graduate studies,” said Lamb. “She really values training students and scientists of all levels to become capable scientists who push their fields forward.” Lamb recently successfully defended her dissertation and became a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Miranti’s lab.
“It has been one of my greatest pleasures to see talented young scientists develop and expand their horizons as they strive to become excellent academics and professionals,” said Dr. Miranti. “If the experience and dedication of the advisor are not adequate, then the next generation of top-notch scientists will not be born. It is wonderful that MSU recognizes the importance of this relationship and offers this kind of recognition to those who wish to maintain this important structure in the training of future scientists.”
Dr. Miranti receives her award Friday, April 16, at the MSU College of Natural Science Awards Convocation at East Lansing’s Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
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About Van Andel Institute
Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent research and educational organization based in Grand Rapids, Mich., dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. VARI, the research arm of VAI, is dedicated to probing the genetic, cellular and molecular origins of cancer, Parkinson and other diseases and working to translate those findings into effective therapies. This is accomplished through the work of more than 200 researchers in 18 on-site laboratories, and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe.
