Catherine Berdanier named 2025 Sloan Mentor of the Year
Nov 21, 2025
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Catherine Berdanier, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Penn State, has been selected as the 2025 Sloan Mentor of the Year by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation awarded at the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Institute on Teaching and Mentoring.
Berdanier was nominated for the award by her mentees Luis Delgado, Gabi Sallai and Boni Yraguen, who cited her exceptional support and guidance in their academic and professional journeys. Berdanier’s research and mentorship focus on graduate engineering education, doctoral student experiences and broadening participation in STEM fields. Through her work, she continues to play a role in fostering inclusive academic environments that support student success.
The Sloan Mentor of the Year Award recognizes faculty who demonstrate exemplary commitment to fostering the success of underrepresented doctoral scholars. Berdanier was honored during the Awards Luncheon at the Institute on Teaching and Mentoring 2025 on Nov. 1 in Atlanta.
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Catherine Berdanier, associate professor at Pennsylvania State University, was named the 2025 Sloan Faculty Mentor of the Year. Credit: College of Engineering directory.
