Katayoun Ayasoufi, PhD, received the Early Career Research Mentoring Award in Basic Science as part of the 2026 Duke University School of Medicine Faculty Awards.
“I am so honored and grateful to receive this award,” Ayasoufi, an assistant professor in neurosurgery said. “I am truly honored to be nominated by my mentees for this award. Mentorship is an honor and a major passion in my life.”
Ayasoufi’s award was presented by fellow neurosurgery faculty member and Duke Neurosurgery Vice Chair for Research Matthias Gromeier, MD, PhD.
“Dr. Ayasoufi, your reach and impact are seen and appreciated by students and staff members at Duke and beyond,” Gromeier said during the award presentation where he described some of the comments from Ayasoufi’s mentees.
A nominator wrote, “Before meeting Kathy, I was unsure if I could be happy in academia long-term. Watching her lead a research team, build a support system, and enjoy the process has shifted my perspective. I aspire to be like her.”
Ayasoufi said mentorship is the best part of her job.
“Watching my mentees reach their goals and dreams is one of the best feeling in the whole world. Being a great mentor means to identify the mentees’ strengths and needs and compassionately work with each mentee to reach their goals while they work with you as part of a team,” Ayasoufi said. “Mentorship is not just a transient training, but an active collaboration and life-long friendship. It is not a one-size fits all strategy and instead requires mentor-mentees to build a caring and compassionate relationship that will last a life-long. Mentorship is an honor and truly my passion. I would like to thank all my mentees and the those who nominated me for this award.”