Terrence Murphy Recognized for Mentoring Undergraduates

Murphy (left) with undergraduate biotechnology student Desmond Bautista. Murphy says, "I enjoy mentoring students, and undergraduates do good research. Several of my students have been co-authors of published research papers and at least one has been a first author."

It's apparent that professor of plant biology Terrence Murphy enjoys mentoring undergraduates: During his 29 years at UC Davis, he has welcomed at least 65 undergraduates into his laboratory. In recognition of his dedication to undergraduate research, Murphy was awarded the 1998-99 Chancellor's Award for Faculty Mentoring of Undergraduate Research.

Although undergraduates may find the prospect of doing research in a faculty member's laboratory intimidating, Murphy's friendly demeanor and consistent helpfulness put students at ease.

"He is one of the most thoughtful and genuinely interested undergraduate mentors with whom I have dealt," says a graduate student who worked with Murphy in UC Davis' Program in College Teaching. "Regardless of the research topic, Professor Murphy has a tremendous desire to help students understand the fundamental principles of research that will help them to succeed as scientists."

Murphy personally oversees his students' research, and at weekly laboratory meetings he listens as the students discuss their progress. However, Murphy's guidance is never intrusive; he lets students work independently, making himself available for questions or assistance with problems. "Professor Murphy gives me a great deal of autonomy in deciding which experiments to run," attests one of his students, "and he is always open to helping me perform new types of experiments, even if they're not anything the lab has been doing."

Charles Gasser was an undergraduate in Murphy's laboratory and is now a faculty member in the Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology. He recalls, "Dr. Murphy's lab was my first experience with academic research. He gave me my own project to work on with a clear set of goals and showed me that you can't believe everything that is published in the scientific literature. Probably the most inspirational aspect of the experience was the fact that, in contrast to laboratory courses, I was doing work that could provide new information--information no one had ever known before! This experience increased my interest in a research career and was an important factor in my eventual decision to go to graduate school. I'm grateful to Dr. Murphy for providing the supportive environment and relative freedom that made my work in his lab such an enjoyable and educational experience."

In addition to laboratory techniques, students learn other skills under Murphy's tutelage: he encourages them to apply for undergraduate research grants and participate in the annual UC Davis Undergraduate Research Conference. "Professor Murphy helped me to face my fear of public speaking by having me participate in the campus's undergraduate research conference," affirms an undergraduate in Murphy's laboratory.