A faculty member and a doctoral student in Notre Dame’s College of Engineering have been honored with the 2026 College of Engineering Outstanding Research Mentoring Awards for contributions to undergraduate education and research.
The awards were based on nominations from undergraduate students who participated in research for credit within the College of Engineering.
Jennifer Schaefer, Sheehan Family Collegiate Professor in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, is the recipient of the Outstanding Research Mentoring Award for faculty. Schaefer’s Research Group creates specialized membranes to build next-generation electrochemical systems for applications related to sustainability and the environment.
One student commented, “Dr. Schaefer has not only given me the opportunity to conduct research in her lab for three years and two summers, but has also provided me with priceless advice about pursuing a Ph.D.” Others highlighted her constant availability and hands-on approach, describing her as a mentor who is “never afraid to sit down and discuss nuanced data processing methods or experimental techniques.” They specifically pointed to her dedication as a research advisor, noting that she “made herself available at seemingly every hour, quickly responding to emails and always happy to schedule a meeting.”
Longwen (Evan) Li, a doctoral student in the Bioengineering Program has won the Outstanding Research Mentoring Award for graduate students.
Li’s work with students in Professor Huibin (HB) Chang’s lab focuses on biomaterials. By combining advanced manufacturing, materials science, and tissue engineering, the group creates multifunctional fibers that operate across scales, with the goal of understanding and enhancing the performance of biological systems.
One student who worked with Li commented, “This was my first semester conducting research, and he made it very enjoyable and informative. He was always open to talk and explain things.” Others emphasized his deep personal investment in their growth, noting that he is “available at all times to help with any questions” and creates an environment where students feel “welcomed and encouraged every time they step into the lab.” Most importantly, they highlighted his role as a champion for his mentees, stating that he has “advocated for me and my work multiple times and has been an instrumental part of the success I’ve seen thus far.”
Schaefer and Li will be formally recognized at the end of the semester.
—Karla Cruise, Notre Dame Engineering. Photos by Wes Evard, Notre Dame Engineering.