Faculty Mentor of the Week Robin Cooper College of A&S, Biology
Extremely passionate about research and biology, Dr. Robin Cooper, an Associate Professor in Biology, has mentored over 15 students in the past year. Focused on Neurobiology and Neurophysiology, he has given over 160 undergraduates the opportunity to be part of his lab, to gain hands-on experience, laboratory skills, and conduct research; many of whom have influenced him back. Dr. Cooper says, “Many of the undergraduates have an impact not only on research projects but on various aspect of life. Being introduced to advancing technology such as a Microsoft surface computer, new cool aps on my phone, cool educational content on line as well as content from other classes students learn which relate to our research are only a few of the topics undergraduates have on me.”
While accepting his mentees, he looks for motivated students, he says, “It takes a lot of hard work and time, but it is a good experience to learn laboratory skills and how to conduct research.”
As a strong believer in the benefits of undergraduate research, he encourages undergraduate students to “explore the unknown and learn that sometimes failure in obtaining what one might expect is a finding itself.” Thank you Dr. Cooper for your continued support and encouragement of undergraduate research. Your dedication makes a profound difference to students at the University of Kentucky.