Kristen Rasmussen recognized as outstanding graduate mentor

Colorado State University’s Graduate Student Council has chosen Atmospheric Science Assistant Professor Kristen Rasmussen for this year’s Graduate Advising and Mentorship Award. The award recognizes outstanding mentors around campus and honors their impact on students. Winners are selected based on nominations by CSU graduate students across all disciplines.

“[Rasmussen] is caring, supportive and encouraging both professionally and personally, which has fostered a really positive environment for her students,” said Zach Bruick, a student in Rasmussen’s research group. “I think that we all work better together because she leads by example so well.”

Rasmussen said she was surprised and honored to receive the award, especially because her students nominated her.

“I have wonderful students in my group and am very grateful for the excellent science they do every day,” she said. “My approach to mentoring includes providing students with a solid foundation in how to do research, including the ‘big picture’ perspective of why we do our work.”

Rasmussen recently led an Advanced Studies Institute program that enabled 16 students to participate in the RELAMPAGO field campaign in Argentina.

This is the second year Rasmussen was nominated in the three years she has taught at CSU. Atmospheric Science Professor Emily Fischer was one of three faculty members chosen to share last year’s award.

Photo at top: Kristen Rasmussen, lower left, received this year’s Graduate Advising and Mentorship Award. Rasmussen was nominated by students in her research group, seen here. Back row from left, Erin Dougherty, Ryan Riesenberg, Zach Bruick, Jeremiah Piersante, and front row from left, Murong Zhang and Rung Panasawatwong.