Lamar University’s Office of Undergraduate Research has named Ashley Dockens, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, the 2019 Faculty Mentor Award.

Dockens has mentored numerous undergraduate McNair Scholars, Beck Fellows, Summer Undergraduate Research (SURF) Fellows and Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) scholarship recipients. She is currently co-mentoring two McNair Scholars. One of her current student mentees is a recipient of the 2019 SURF fellowship and will begin mentoring this summer. The Office of Undergraduate Research has funded many of Dockens’ student projects, which have then been presented at regional, state and national conferences.

Professor, University Scholar and Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research Kumer Das, Ph.D., says Dockens is a successful mentor because of her kind demeanor and encouraging approach when working with students.

"The Office of Undergraduate Research is honored to recognize Dr. Ashley Dockens as the 2019 Faculty Mentor Award winner,” said Das. “Her warm, caring and considerate nature comforts her students. They feel free to ask her questions and share their research ideas. I have observed her constructive feedback to her mentees on numerous occasions."

The Office of Undergraduate Research is dedicated to promoting and supporting student success through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, creative inquiry and other scholarly experiences.

Dockens’ research mentees go on to mentor other students through Cardinal Community, Lamar Ambassadors, Student Government, the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association, Student Academy of Audiology and through the Future Leaders of Audiology Student association. She encourages all students to engage in research and all faculty to engage in mentorship.

“Dr. Dockens is building a legacy with our undergraduates. She demonstrates the power of collaboration and relationship building as a key part of research,” said Monica Harn, professor and chair, Speech and Hearing Services.  

Dockens, who holds doctorate degrees in communication sciences and disorders as well as in audiology from the University of South Alabama, joined Lamar University’s Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences in 2014 and has held the role of Program Director of Audiology since 2017. She serves the University in multiple roles, including, but not limited to: Faculty Senator, Speech and Hearing Sciences Cardinal Community Pro-Mentor, Co-Advisor of the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association and multiple departmental roles. She is a 2018 Lamar University Merit Award recipient and has been recognized for her innovation in teaching and her service to students. Since 2016, Dr. Dockens has authored or co-authored 24 peer-reviewed publications, presentations and posters, many with undergraduate and graduate student co-authors.

 “I think her success is based on her unique ability to challenge students while empowering them to meet the challenge,” said Harn.  

 
Previous Winners of the Faculty Mentor Award

2018: Christopher Martin, associate professor of organic chemistry

2017: Ashwini S. Kucknoor, associate professor of biology

2016: Xiangyang (Sunny) Lei, associate professor of organic chemistry and interim chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

2015: Xuejun Fan, professor of mechanical engineering and Christian Bahrim, professor of physics