UA Little Rock Honors Mariya Khodakovskaya with First University Mentoring Award

UA Little Rock has named Dr. Mariya Khodakovskaya, professor of plant biology, as the recipient of the university’s inaugural Mentoring Award.

Created to recognize faculty members who go above and beyond to foster student growth, development, and professional success, the new university-wide award celebrates impactful mentorship across disciplines. The award comes with a $1,000 prize generously sponsored by John and Shannon Chamberlin.

Khodakovskaya’s graduate students—Kari Vinzant, Sree Kumar, Shabnam Manafzadeh, and Mohammad Rashid—introduced their mentor. They also nominated her for the award, writing powerful letters describing her impact on their lives and careers.

“Mentoring is more than just guiding or advising,” Khodakovskaya said. “It is about listening, learning, and walking beside someone on their journey—not ahead of them, not behind them, but with them. It’s a relationship rooted in trust, empathy, and encouragement.”

Described by students and colleagues as a tireless advocate for student success, Khodakovskaya has mentored dozens of graduate, undergraduate, and postdoctoral students over the last 17 years. Her students praised her for believing in their potential, helping them build professional networks, and supporting them through personal and academic challenges.

In their nomination letters, students recounted how Khodakovskaya helped them publish research, attend conferences and summer schools, and apply for prestigious grants, all while fostering a collaborative and supportive lab culture.

“As a Ph.D. student in her lab, I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by someone who has not only shaped my scientific skills but also transformed how I see myself as a researcher,” said Kari Vinzant. “I wanted a Ph.D. experience that would challenge me, shape me, and prepare me for the real world, and that’s exactly what she gave me. She picks students who will contribute positively to the group, encourages us to help and teach one another, and leads by example in fostering an environment where everyone thrives.”

Shabnam Manafzadeh, another doctoral student, recalled how Khodakovskaya’s teaching has been invaluable to his education.

“Dr. Khodakovskaya has not only taught me essential laboratory techniques and research methods but has also been a constant source of guidance whenever I encounter challenges in my experiments,” Manafzadeh said. “She listens carefully to my research problems and always provides insightful and practical advice. Her patience and dedication to her students create an environment where we feel encouraged to grow as independent researchers.”

As a respected leader in plant nanotechnology research, Dr. Khodakovskaya balances her mentoring with an active research program that has secured millions in grant funding. She also serves as director of the interdisciplinary Applied Science Graduate Program, where she mentors students across four academic tracks.

“This award is not just a recognition of what I’ve done,” she said, “it’s a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in each other. The world needs more mentors, more listeners, more people who care.”

The Mentoring Award was conceptualized by Dr. Michael Moore, director of undergraduate research and mentoring, and Dr. Brian Berry, dean of the Graduate School, to highlight the importance of mentorship in student success. All nominees were recommended by students and evaluated on their accessibility, encouragement, and impact on academic and career outcomes.