Faculty Mentor of the Week David Puleo College of Engineering, Biomedical Engieering

Puleo joined UK in 1991 after receiving his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He became director of the Center for Biomedical Engineering (now the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering) in 2005 and associate dean for research and graduate studies in 2015. He received UK’s Excellence in Teaching for Biomedical Engineering in 2011, 2013 and 2015 and the College of Engineering Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research in 2013.

During the 2017-2018 academic year, Dr. Puleo mentored one high school student, two undergraduates, three graduate students, one postdoctoral dental resident, and two postdoctoral scholars. When asked about how his role as a mentor has added value to his life, he replied, "As cliche as it sounds, mentoring students is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a faculty member...I view guiding young researchers as they begin their careers in science and engineering as a critically important responsibility of faculty at a top level research university."  Dr. Puleo takes great pride in mentoring students and meets individually with his "lab folks" on Fridays as "that gives me something to look forward to at the end of the week."  When looking for undergraduate student researchers, Dr. Puleo not only looks for motivation and grit, but also questions why the student wants to get involved in research, as well as their interests and desired career pathway. "Regarding grit, will the student be self-motivated, rise to independence, and be persistent in the face of challenges, such as when a research experiment does not go as planned? Gift is a key attribute not just for conducting research, but for success beyond the university."

Dr. Puleo is a true advocate for undergraduate research and we are pleased to recognize him as this week's Facutly Mentor of the Week. 

Dr. David Puleo - College of Engineering, Biomedical Engieering