Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., the Jerome H. Modell, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology, was recognized for his outstanding research mentorship with the Dr. Mavis Agbandje-McKenna Distinguished Research Mentoring Award. This award is given each year by the University of Florida College of Medicine to a faculty member at least 10 years into their career who has provided exceptional research mentoring to students, trainees, associates, and/or faculty. Gravenstein was nominated by his peers for this honor and received the award at the Art & Awards Ceremony at the College of Medicine’s 2025 Celebration of Research.
In a video played at the awards ceremony, Albert Robinson, M.D., professor of anesthesiology, spoke about being mentored by Gravenstein. Robinson met Gravenstein in 2006 when he was applying to be an assistant professor and Gravenstein was chair of the UF Department of Anesthesiology.
Robinson praises Gravenstein for his open-door policy and active listening skills. “Nik makes you better as a clinician, as a researcher, as a teacher, because he is always working to push you,” said Robinson. “He allows you to grow in your own time.”
In his nomination letter, Greg Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, interim chair for the UF Department of Anesthesiology wrote, “In Dr. Gravenstein’s extensive forty-year career at UF, he has mentored hundreds of undergraduate and medical students, residents, junior faculty and colleagues in their education and research endeavors. That mentorship often continues after residents graduate, faculty members relocate, and undergraduates choose their career of focus. Nik mentors beyond the walls of the college by sharing his expertise with everyone from middle school students to senior citizens and NFL players and NASA astronauts.”
Gravenstein hopes to be remembered at the end of his career for making a difference for others. “My philosophy about mentoring is that it is guiding. It is not controlling,” said Gravenstein. “It’s trying to find something that connects with somebody because it is naturally interesting to them.”