Celebrating an Outstanding Mentor Who Helps Pick Up the Pieces

Inaugural Dr. Fernando Macian-Juan Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Presented to Teresa Bowman, Ph.D.

On December 12, Teresa Bowman, professor and chair of developmental and molecular biology, was presented with the inaugural Dr. Fernando Macian-Juan Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring.

From left: Yaron Tomer, M.D., Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein, Teresa Bowman, Ph.D., professor and chair of developmental and molecular biology, and Ana Maria Cuervo, M.D., Ph.D., distinguished professor of developmental and molecular biology

The award honors the memory of Fernando Macian-Juan, M.D., Ph.D., who was a professor of pathology, Einstein faculty member for more than 20 years, and beloved graduate student advocate and mentor. Fernando was a member of the Einstein Institute for Aging Research and the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the associate director of the Einstein Medical Scientist Training Program — all while passionately representing the interests of graduate students on multiple faculty committees.

Victoria Freedman, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate programs in biomedical sciences (left); and Ana Maria Cuervo,M.D., Ph.D., distinguished professor of developmental and molecular biology

“Fernando guided, nurtured, and inspired the next generation of scientists,” said Yaron Tomer, M.D., Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein. “Education is about giving yourself to others and he did so through his exceptional mentorship of so many students throughout the years. His legacy serves as a lasting inspiration.”

“Graduate students submitted nominations for the award, and many were received, but one stood out — Teresa Bowman — and we have the imperative to recognize great mentors when we see them,” explained Victoria Freedman, Ph.D., associate dean for graduate programs in biomedical sciences.

The winning nomination was submitted by sixth year Ph.D. student Anastasia Nizhnik who shared an impactful and relatable story illustrating Teresa’s approach to mentorship. After accidentally dropping a gel in the lab that was about to produce Anastasia’s first data, she described worrying how Teresa would react. “She knelt down, helped me pick up the pieces from the floor and started helping me figure out how to reconstruct it –– a metaphor for the importance of mentorship in science and in life. Teresa fosters an environment where we’re comfortable sharing negative data and results and helps us redirect the science,” said Anastasia.

The Bowman Lab, including Anastasia Nizhnik, far left, and Teresa Bowman, Ph.D., third from left

Next, Ana Maria Cuervo, M.D., Ph.D., distinguished professor of developmental and molecular biology, and Fernando’s wife, presented the award to Teresa. Ana Maria became the mentor of Fernando’s six graduate students, including one who has since graduated, after her husband’s passing. “Fernando cared deeply about all graduate students, and I’m honored to present this award to Teresa in his memory,” said Ana Maria.

Teresa, the honoree of the day shared, “I really would not be here without what you, my students, give to me. The joy of watching you grow is unmatched.” She also shared the top three lessons she’s learned from being a mentor.

Be open to new ideas.
No one is perfect.
The influence of a chain reaction is powerful.

The positive chain reaction of Teresa’s mentorship will surely reverberate for generations as her students and faculty mentees continue to grow and impart what they’ve learned to the rising stars coming up after them.

Posted on: Tuesday, January 07, 2025

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