Three Stony Brook Faculty Are Honored as Outstanding Mentors

Three faculty members have been recognized for their commitment to supporting and mentoring their faculty colleagues during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The following faculty members were honored at the start of the fall semester with the Provost's Outstanding Mentor Award:

• Christopher Johnson, Professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
• Jaymie Meliker, Professor, Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine
• Lori Scarlatos, Associate Professor, Department of Technology, AI, and Society, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

"Faculty mentorship is fundamental to a thriving academic community," said Eric Lamberg, interim vice provost for faculty development. "By sharing their experience, fostering meaningful connections, and helping to build a culture of collaboration and belonging, Christopher Johnson, Jaymie Meliker, and Lori Scarlatos have made lasting contributions to faculty success and to the strength of Stony Brook. We are proud to recognize them with this well-deserved honor."

The Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes and celebrates senior faculty members for their exceptional dedication to mentoring their faculty colleagues who are pre-tenure, not on the tenure track, and mid-career. Award winners are recognized for their commitment to offering guidance, fostering professional growth, and supporting healthy work-life balance of their mentees.

Christopher Johnson
Professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Johnson is recognized throughout the Department of Chemistry for his readiness to engage in thoughtful, nuanced discussions about research projects, professional development, or broader questions with his students and colleagues. With his colleagues, he offers candid, honest feedback and helps to introduce them to peers and colleagues at national conferences and other professional events.

"Chris exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding mentor - he consistently provides thoughtful and detailed feedback that has significantly strengthened my work," said Simou Sun, assistant professor of chemistry, in her letter supporting Johnson's award nomination. "Despite his many professional commitments, Chris remains remarkably approachable and generous with his time, always open to conversation, whether discussing research directions, career decisions, or broader questions about navigating academia. His thoughtful engagement, accessibility, honesty and commitment to supporting others have had a lasting impact on my career."

Johnson joined Stony Brook in 2014 and has since won the 2023 Discovery Prize and the 2024 Godfrey Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Sciences. He has received more than $4 million in external research funding, including from the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.

Jaymie Meliker
Professor, Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine

Meliker is known for his commitment to his colleagues and their success, often from the moment they first apply to the university. He offers support and guidance on grant applications, pedagogy and curriculum development, and helps new faculty find their place in the institution.

"Yes, he meaningfully includes junior faculty on grants and papers. But most critically his guidance extends beyond scholarly activities - he ensures junior faculty feel included, valued, and respected. On a personal note, he was even there to help my family unpack our moving van when we arrived, embodying the spirit of community that makes Stony Brook a place where faculty can envision long-term careers," said Rachel Kidman, professor in the program in public health. "He has shaped careers, fostered community, and inspired countless students and faculty alike. I can think of no one more deserving of this award."

Meliker joined Stony Brook in 2007. An environmental epidemiologist, he is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and has received research support from the National Institutes of Health. He previously received the Stony Brook Program in Public Health Director's Award for Excellence and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Lori Scarlatos
Associate Professor, Department of Technology, AI, and Society, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Scarlatos supports her mentees as they apply for grants and submit papers to journals; prepare for career milestones such as promotion and tenure; and find their voices in the department and university. She also helps them to position their work for interdisciplinary contexts, which is important in a department that combines social sciences and engineering.

"What distinguishes Lori as a mentor is her ability to meet colleagues where they are and make targeted suggestions regardless of their career stage," said Elizabeth Hewitt, associate professor in the Department of Technology, AI, and Society. "She is direct without being prescriptive, generous with her time, and consistently focused on the long-term development of the people she supports. These qualities reflect a commitment to the individual success of her junior colleagues and to the broader success of our academic community."

Scarlatos earned her doctoral degree from Stony Brook University and joined the faculty in 2007. Her research explores how computers help people see, understand and learn. It has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security, among others. She has created several new academic courses at Stony Brook University, and serves on several university and college committees.