Congratulations to Assistant Professor Samantha Zuhlke for being awarded the university’s Student Supervisor of the Year Award through a Certificate of Distinction. Sam was voted among the top six supervisors out of 89 nominees, representing 1,481 total supervisors. Award winners were selected based on helping students connect classroom learning with experiences on the job; assisting students in connecting job skill development to future professional employment; and showcasing how much they care about the students.

Kate Beeman and Grace Koch, juniors, nominated Sam for her leadership in the Water Drop Lab. Kate says, “Dr. Zuhlke recognizes and embraces each of her student’s diverse interests and skills, fostering an environment where we’re encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. I appreciate the time, effort, energy, care, and thought Sam invests in us. She has been incredibly influential and supportive in my career development and post-graduation goals, constantly pushing me to learn new skills and gain meaningfully from my time as an undergraduate.”

Grace also expressed Sam’s outstanding supervisor qualities. “She is an amazing advisor who has provided me, and the other members of our lab, with many opportunities to grow as individuals and professionally. She has cultivated a supportive and celebrative work environment that simultaneously pushes me to grow while allowing me to pursue my own passions. Working for her over the last few years has empowered and equipped me to pursue a future career in water quality and to continue nurturing my passion for supporting local communities.”

The Water Drop Lab has worked together for two years and consists of a total of four undergraduate students and second-year Masters of Public Affairs student, LilliAnna Scott. The lab is currently working on a research project funded by the National Geographic Society. Using Google Street View, the lab is measuring the quality of public services in cities with fewer than 5,000 people. The lab has also completed fieldwork to sample different drinking water sources throughout Iowa to analyze water quality. Students from the lab have visited Des Moines Water Works, presented research posters, and written a policy white paper. Sam also supports students by exploring class concepts through their research and enjoying breakfast together once a semester.

Sam will be honored at the Career Impact Awards event on May 7th at the Levitt Center.