Samuel Reisman
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring
Ph.D. Candidate, Cell Biology
BIO
Samuel Reisman is a Ph.D. candidate in Cell Biology. He received a B.S. in Plant Biology from the University of California, Davis in 2015.
His research focuses on using CRISPR-based epigenome editing tools for studying and engineering cell differentiation and reprogramming. During his program, Reisman has served as a member of the Cell Biology EDI committee, the Director of Strategy at Nucleate RTP, and has interned at Beam Therapeutics, where he worked on engineering novel genome editors. Before coming to Duke, Reisman was a laboratory technician at Exploratorium in San Francisco California, where he developed cell biology museum exhibits for the public.
Reisman is recognized for his exceptional dedication to mentoring and his ability to inspire and support his mentees. His success in mentoring extends beyond his immediate lab members to the broader community of graduate students, postdocs, and even faculty at Duke.
ON MENTORING
What does a successful mentoring relationship look like? How do you build such a relationship?
Successful mentoring relationships can and should look very different depending on the individuals involved. For me, a key aspect to mentorship is maintaining the humility and flexibility to meet mentees where they are and adjust to that dynamically. Overall, I try to foster an environment that encourages open sharing of ideas, judgement-free discussion, and creativity. I think that is built through trust and mutual respect. I don’t see myself as the authority, rather we’re equals both bringing our own perspectives to the table.
What is something you have done as a mentor that you are really proud of?
I’m most proud not of what I have done myself, but what I have helped students accomplish independently once they’re given the trust and opportunity to do so. I was lucky enough to have fantastic mentors throughout my career that exemplified this. When I worked in science education at a museum (the Exploratorium in San Francisco), the trust that I was given enabled me to do more than I thought possible. I try to pass this forward to my students.
How do graduate students benefit from serving as mentors?
Being able to work with and mentor such incredible students has been the highlight of my PhD. Helping students build their confidence and skills in the lab both helps them be prepared for their next step in life, and also means they do high quality work and will challenge you back. I can’t tell you how many of my ideas were improved by feedback from mentees.
IN THEIR WORDS
Excerpts from Reisman’s nomination
“Sam’s approach combines patience, extensive knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the growth of each of his mentees. Under his guidance, two talented undergraduates have excelled in research, with one now pursuing her PhD at Harvard. His ability to inspire and support his students’ intellectual growth is one of my favorite parts of his character."
“Sam’s unwavering belief in my ability to pursue science has been critical in my growth as a scientist. To believe in someone before they believe in themselves encapsulates what it means to be a mentor. Sam’s patience, enthusiasm, and generosity make him a testament to the culture of mentorship and collaboration that Duke University aims to nurture and embrace.”
“Sam’s dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment is a critical part of what makes him an effective mentor. His efforts resonate throughout our department, and his comprehensive knowledge of epigenome editing and cell differentiation has been invaluable to his mentees and colleagues.”