2024 Award for Excellence in Supervision: Dr. Erol Girt 

As a Department of Physics faculty member for more than 15 years, Dr. Erol Girt is known for his career-oriented mentorship style and an environment for his graduate students to shine.  As a supervisor, he guides his students, many of whom have gone on to significant roles in academia and industry, to develop expertise, take ownership of their projects, and form a supportive, collaborative environment to pursue their research objectives.

Graduate Program Chair Nancy Forde notes that Girt is a hands-on supervisor who uses his experience in private-sector research to further enrich his mentorship, as he uses his industry connections to link students with career opportunities.

Says Forde, “I am aware of how well his students have done after graduation: his track record of helping them develop the skills and professional network to obtain positions in a wide variety of industrial settings is impressive, and likely the strongest of all of our (very strong!) Physics research groups. Prof. Girt has the knowledge of what is important to succeed ‘out there’ and helps students to develop and excel in these skills. What I had not realized is just how strongly these students feel about Prof. Girt as a supervisor and mentor. They continue to have and value their mentoring relationships even years after graduating from SFU! Prof. Girt does a fantastic job at creating a sense of community within the research group: each member is helped to feel like an important part of the team, by leading their own project and by supporting others.”

Girt’s former PhD student, Monika Arora, is now a Research and Development scientist at Everspin Technologies. She describes Girt as someone who not only leads by example but also fosters a collaborative and respectful lab culture and commitment to helping develop his students’ academic understanding and growth.

Says Arora, “His keen listening skills and positive attitude during discussions enable every student to build a strong relationship with him and foster a culture of trust and mutual respect in the lab. Prof. Girt consistently goes above and beyond to make sure that his students thoroughly understand the subject…In every discussion, he not only carefully listens, encourages, but also provides every possible support to his students for the best of their benefit.”

Girt’s mentorship goes beyond academic skills; he also emphasizes the soft skills needed for professional success. His former student, Eric Montoya, now an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, believes that his holistic approach to supervision ensures his students are well-prepared for their careers, whether in academia or industry.

“One of Erol's greatest strengths is his infectious enthusiasm for science and research. His enthusiasm inspires students to approach their research creatively and critically. He fosters an atmosphere where students feel encouraged to explore new ideas, take risks, and push the boundaries of their knowledge. Additionally, Erol is dedicated to research skill development among his students. He goes above and beyond to ensure that students gain hands-on experience in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication, thereby preparing them for successful careers in academia and industry. To this day, I can still count on Erol providing valuable mentorship regarding experimental techniques, especially concerning magnetron sputtering and materials science. His mentorship has been invaluable as I have built up my lab at the University of Utah. Without Erol’s mentorship, I truly believe my chances of obtaining a tenure-track position at a research-intensive university would have been significantly reduced,” says Montoya.

We congratulate Dr. Erol Girt on receiving this award and for his exceptional dedication to graduate mentorship. His support, guidance, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders.

The 2025 Dean of Graduate Studies Awards for Excellence are open for nominations until May 15, 2025.