The 2025 Joint Master’s Programs Commencement and Recognition Ceremony was not only a time to celebrate the achievements of our graduates, but also an opportunity to honor individuals who stood out for their exceptional commitment to clinical investigation—whether in mentoring, teaching, or scholarship. Please join us in congratulating this year’s Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) Award Recipients!
Mentor of the Year
The Mentor of the Year award celebrates an individual who has gone above and beyond in guiding and supporting their scholars. Selected through student nominations and testimonials, we are proud to announce Ginger Nicol, MD as this year’s recipient. Dr. Nicol is a Professor of Psychiatry in the Division of Clinical Neuroscience and Behavioral Health Research.
One of her mentees shared the following testimonial, attributing their academic growth to Dr. Nicol’s mentorship:
Dr. Nicol deserves to be nominated as research mentor of the year for her unwavering dedication, insightful guidance, and exceptional support to early career researchers. Her ability to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and provide multiple meaningful opportunities for growth has had a profound impact on my academic research development.
MSCI Mentee
Course Director of the Year
The MSCI Course Director of the Year award honors a dedicated educator who demonstrates exceptional teaching. Voted on by students enrolled in MSCI courses, this year’s award goes to Ana Baumann, PhD, Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Public Health Sciences. As part of the MSCI curriculum, Dr. Baumann teaches Dissemination and Implementation Science, a course that introduces scholars to foundational concepts, theories, and study designs in the field.
Outstanding Scholars of the Year
The Outstanding Scholar of the Year award recognizes a student who is engaged, respectful, and exemplifies academic excellence. This scholar actively participates in seminars, offers thoughtful feedback to peers and the program team, and consistently demonstrate a strong grasp of course material. This year, however, two individuals stood out and were both honored with the award.
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholars of the Year: Blake Montgomery, MD, and Monica Abdelnour, MD. Dr. Montgomery is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery in the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Abdelnour is a PGY-6, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow at WashU Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
We are inspired by the dedication and talent of these awardees. It is individuals like them who help the MSCI program thrive. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation for their contributions.