The Emerging Scholars Research Experience introduces first- and second-year undergraduate students to the world of research. However, the true impact of this program lies in the dedication of outstanding research mentors who translate complex scientific concepts into hands-on learning opportunities. This year, we celebrate four extraordinary educators who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to this program and the next generation of scholars. These mentors have each dedicated 10 or more years to guiding novice researchers as they evolve into confident leaders. They are the cornerstone of IU’s research community, ensuring that our students thrive in a culture of inquiry and innovation.
Dr. Farrah Bashey-Visser
Dr. Farrah Bashey-Visser’s path to mentoring is rooted in her own experience as a student, where hands-on research first drew her into a career in science and academia. Through the Emerging Scholars Program, she creates these same opportunities for students to develop technical and professional skills while interacting with peers who share their passion for research. Her mentorship has led to significant contributions from 15 Emerging Scholars, including the development of new methods for identifying nematode species and the uncovering of unique genetic elements. Dr. Bashey-Visser finds particular pride in students like Maddie Kauffman, who transitioned from an Emerging Scholar to an Honors Thesis contributor and future graduate student. By treating each student as an individual with unique goals, Dr. Bashey-Visser continues to foster a lab environment where "IU’s best" can truly shine.
Dr. Diane Henshel
Dr. Diane Henshel views research as an invitation that welcomes undergraduates into the excitement of scientific discovery. Her approach reflects her core philosophy of mentoring now for the future, aiming to help students grow from curious novices to skilled, full-fledged working scientists who eventually mentor the growth of others. Dr. Henshel has mentored 22 Emerging Scholars, and her impact is evidenced by long-term success stories like Liberty Flora and Zoe King, whose work on cybersecurity maliciousness culminated in a co-authored publication in 2018. More recently, her mentorship has empowered students like Angelina Mark to expand localized food security research into a four-state Midwestern analysis and an Honors thesis. For all her mentees, Dr. Henshel has prioritized tailoring support to their specific skills and curiosity, ensuring that every student finds their own "jumping off point" toward a successful career.
Dr. Jennifer Piatt
Dr. Jennifer Piatt joined the Emerging Scholars Program with a mission to cultivate a sense of belonging, deeply appreciating how the program supports students early in their academic careers. Since 2014, she has mentored 12 Emerging Scholars while championing an "affinity group research model," intentionally building collaborative teams with a mix of undergraduate and graduate students who share similar interests. Under her supervision, this structure provides unique multi-level peer mentoring opportunities. This collaborative and inclusive environment has yielded extraordinary results, such as Clara Valentine’s oral presentation at the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury’s Annual Conference, a rare feat for an undergraduate. Dr. Piatt’s dedication is driven by the joy of watching students evolve as "young scientists" who are not afraid to ask the hard questions, proving that curiosity is the foundation of any great research team.
Dr. Selma Šabanović
For Dr. Selma Šabanović, the Emerging Scholars Program is a bridge that connects her Human-Robot Interaction lab to curious minds across the entire university – including the 26 Emerging Scholars she has mentored. She thrives on the energy and novel perspectives that student researchers bring to the exploratory nature of robotics. Dr. Šabanović views research as a collaborative puzzle-solving exercise that prepares students for any future career, whether in a lab or the professional world. This approach has empowered several of her students to co-author academic papers, present findings to audiences both on and off campus, and take on major leadership roles in the lab. Her decade of service reflects what she considers the most rewarding aspect of being a faculty member: the opportunity to be part of the intellectual growth of her students, year after year.
A Legacy of Excellence
The enduring contributions of these four distinguished mentors, Drs. Bashey-Visser, Henshel, Piatt, and Šabanović have deeply enriched the Indiana University research community. Through their unwavering commitment to the Emerging Scholars Research Experience, they have transformed the academic landscape for their student mentees. We are profoundly grateful for their decade of service, their expertise, and their legacy of shaping the scholars, leaders, and innovators of the future.
