Marta Mulawa, Ph.D.
Dean's Award for Excellence in Mentoring
Assistant Professor of Nursing and Global Health
BIO
Marta Mulawa, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of nursing and global health. Mulawa earned a B.A. in Community Health and Child Development from Tufts University in 2006, an M.H.S. in International Health from Johns Hopkins University in 2008, and a Ph.D. in Health Behavior from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016.
Mulawa was a Predoctoral Fellow at UNC-CH’s Gillings School and a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Duke Global Health Institute. She then moved into the role of Assistant Professor and Assistant Research Professor at the School of Nursing and Duke Global Health Institute, respectively.
Mulawa’s research explores social and behavioral factors of HIV treatment and prevention, focusing on how social networks influence HIV-related behaviors. She received a K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award from the National Institute of Mental Health to fund the development of a mobile health intervention to promote ART adherence through community engagement.
ON MENTORING
What do you think are the most important qualities of a good mentor for graduate students?
A good mentor establishes trust, prioritizes their mentee’s well-being, and remains flexible in their approach. Building trust is foundational, as it allows mentees to feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and questions openly. When mentors establish that they care about their mentee’s overall well-being, this increases the chances that the mentee will be transparent about challenges that may be occurring. Finally, flexibility is essential; each mentee has unique and evolving needs, requiring mentors to adapt their guidance accordingly.
How have you evolved as a mentor compared to when you first started mentoring?
When I first started mentoring, I focused most of my energy on providing the “right answers” to my mentees’ questions. I remember worrying that I would not have the right information they needed. Over time, I have realized that asking the “right questions” is much more valuable when guiding a mentee. Now, I focus much more on listening actively and asking thoughtful follow-up questions so that I can guide my mentees in developing their own solutions.
Who are some good mentors you have had, and are there mentoring practices or traits from them that you have tried to incorporate into your own approach to mentoring?
My Ph.D. mentor had the most calming and reassuring presence. While I may not fully embody her steadfast and stress-free demeanor, I have reflected on the qualities that made her such a valuable mentor and have sought to incorporate them into my own approach. She consistently offered support and encouragement for my ideas and she fostered my independence by encouraging me to trust my instincts. I deeply appreciated the validation her feedback provided. Inspired by her example, I make a conscious effort to offer praise alongside constructive criticism when reviewing my mentees' work. I also strive to instill confidence in my mentees, helping them see their potential and develop the skills and self-assurance needed to take ownership of their research and career paths.
IN THEIR WORDS
Excerpts from Mulawa's nomination
“Working with Dr. Mulawa, I have always felt valued, respected, and treated as a collaborator, entrusted with responsibilities to meaningfully enhance our research program. I see in Dr. Mulawa an openness and humility to learning from others — not just her mentors, but also our partners at the University of Cape Town, trainees, and students — that is such an incredible model of teaching and mentorship.”
“Marta never wavered in her support of me and offered countless hours of her time helping to expand my ideas, grow my understanding in methodology, and become a stronger writer. She maintained clear communication and even helped me to become a more organized collaborator.”
“Marta’s mentorship inspires me to be a better, more supportive mentor myself, and through bonding with our ‘team’ get-togethers, I naturally grew towards staying connected and collaborating with her other mentees.”