Congratulations to Dr. Eirik Endeve, one of 2018’s winners of the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award.

Endeve has offered extensive support for undergraduate researchers in the form of research projects, presentations, and publications. Students praise his awareness of their own capabilities, his establishment of reasonable expectations to match those capabilities, and his guidance in helping them eventually exceed those capabilities. Brandon Barker explains how “he understands our abilities and never asks more of us than is possible given our limitations,” but “he still manages to push us enough that we are constantly growing as researchers.” Jesse Buffaloe adds that “He is prompt at answering questions and dealing with concerns, has provided a wealth of advice for developing quality research talks and poster presentations, and has set out reasonable expectations, while still ensuring that goals are met.”

While Endeve’s primary role is to lead laboratory research, he supports this role with his dedication as a teacher. As Jesse Buffaloe describes: “His ability to condense complex ideas has rivaled that of the best teaching professors I have had during my time here. Working with him has not only been intellectually enriching but also an enjoyable experience.”

Multiple students insist Endeve’s mentorship has been key in the decision to pursue astrophysics beyond the undergraduate level, as his support across the entirety of their undergraduate education has instilled knowledge, skill, and comfort with the research and presentation process.

Dr. Endeve is a joint faculty assistant professor in the physics and astronomy department and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He received his PhD in astrophysics from the University of Oslo. His current work at ORNL engages in computational astrophysics.