Butcher receives 2024 Excellence in Research Mentoring Award
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Media Contact: Kinsey Reed | Communications Specialist | 405-744-6740 | kinsey.reed@okstate.edu
Dr. Josh Butcher, an Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine assistant professor, was awarded the 2024 Excellence in Research Mentoring Award. The award honors faculty mentors for their success and impact in supervising undergraduate research students.
Butcher obtained his master’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 2009 and continued his education at West Virginia University, where he received his Ph.D. Butcher started at OSU in 2019 when he joined the CVM as an assistant professor in physiological sciences.
“As cliché as this may sound, the reason why I am committed to mentoring undergraduates in research is because of my undergraduate research mentor,” Butcher said. “Dr. Bruce Branan made a dramatic impact on my life, both as a person and setting me on my career path."
Butcher has dedicated his time to ensuring his mentees' success. His depth in mentoring activities, individualized mentoring strategies to fit students’ needs and limitations, and modeling positive behavior and successful performance are a few of his irreplaceable attributes.
During his four years at OSU, Butcher has had the privilege of mentoring 14 undergraduate students pursuing paths in a diverse array of professional schools. Butcher has mentored aspiring veterinarians, osteopathic doctors, dentists, physician assistants and many more.
"If I could use one word to describe Dr. Butcher, it would be 'intense.' Not for the reasons one might think, but because Dr. Butcher is the kind of mentor who pushes his students to be the very best we can be," said Carsyn Gragg, OSU undergraduate student. "He holds an intense passion for helping others reach their life goals, attend their dream colleges and acquire their dream jobs."
As a result of his dedication to his mentees, Butcher's students include five Niblack Research Scholars and six Wentz Research Scholars.
His mentees' accomplishments include first place at the Life-Sciences Freshman Research Scholars Program poster session, two Barbara Horwitz and John A. Horowitz Outstanding Abstract awards from the American Physiological Society, OSU Senior of Significance, and a Tulsa Pipliner’s Scholarship.
“For me, it’s about investing in the future. Working with undergraduates in research is an opportunity to develop and shape the next generation of leaders,” Butcher said. “My investment in undergraduate research mentoring is my opportunity to help them avoid pitfalls, to get back up when life throws a curve ball, to support their dreams, and ultimately help them navigate the next steps to reach their full potential.”