Moorthy Ponnusamy, PhD, will be the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Mentor of Junior Faculty Award during the UNMC Faculty Senate annual meeting on April 15. The award recognizes faculty who exemplify excellence in the mentoring of junior faculty at UNMC.
- Name: Moorthy Ponnusamy, PhD
- Title at UNMC: Professor, UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and co-director, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences-Biochemistry and Molecular Biology doctoral program
- Joined UNMC: 2006
- Hometown: Poolambadi/Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, India
What are the greatest rewards of mentoring other faculty members?
I thank all my mentors, who supported my career development. The most meaningful reward of mentoring junior faculty is witnessing their transformation into confident and independent scholars. Seeing mentees secure their first grants, publish impactful work and develop their own scientific voice brings a deep sense of fulfillment. Beyond academic achievements, I value helping mentees navigate challenges, build strength and find clarity in their career paths.
Describe a moment in your career when you realized you had picked the right occupation.
As a cancer researcher, I realized I had chosen the right path when our findings began to uncover novel mechanisms of disease progression and contributed to broader scientific understanding. It was rewarding to see our work potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies. At the same time, mentoring junior faculty showed me that research is not only about discovery but also about teaching and inspiring others. I recognized that my role extended beyond research and teaching, and I was contributing to the growth of future leaders in science and medicine.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a mentor?
One of the greatest challenges in mentorship is balancing individualized guidance with the diverse needs, goals and backgrounds of each mentee. Every faculty member brings unique strengths and faces different obstacles, requiring a flexible and adaptive mentoring approach. Time constraints also pose a challenge, as effective mentorship demands consistent engagement and thoughtful feedback.
How do you know when you’ve been successful as a mentor?
Success in mentorship is reflected when mentees gain independence, confidence and a clear sense of direction. I know I have been successful when they begin to think critically, make informed decisions and mentor others in turn. Their achievements, whether securing funding, publishing impactful research or advancing in their careers, are important milestones, but equally meaningful is their ability to overcome challenges with strength. Ultimately, mentorship success is realized when mentees no longer need constant guidance and instead emerge as capable, collaborative leaders in their field.