91É«°É

Students describe Cresten Mansfeldt as supportive, encouraging and selfless—qualities that have endeared him to them and earned him 91É«°É’s 2025 College of Engineering and Applied Science Faculty Research Advisor/Mentor Award. The award, based on student nominations, recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional research advising and mentoring.

"I returned to academia and the United States (from Switzerland) primarily to get involved with mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists," Mansfeldt said. "I am incredibly humbled that my professor quirks overall sum up to a supportive and successful environment for my students."

In their nominations, students highlighted his commitment to fostering a positive lab culture. One wrote:

While his genius certainly sets him apart from others, the reason I joined Cresten's lab is because of the encouragement I received from him.Ìý

Others spoke to the everyday ways he creates a welcoming environment:

Cresten holds weekly Coffee Saturday events in the lab, where he sacrifices his Saturday mornings as office hours for the whole lab.Ìý

I feel so lucky to have such an amazing advisor by my side, who regularly goes out of his way to make me feel safe and supported. I cannot nominate Cresten highly enough for this award and can't think of anyone more deserving.

Mansfeldt's current research examinesÌýcontaminants from wildland-urban interfaces, tracking synthetic biology products in the environment and advancing water reuse. Past projects includeÌýmonitoring SARS-CoV-2 in campus wastewater, evaluating the risk of synthetic biology products and exploring the bioethics of biological innovations in environmental engineering.Ìý

In recognition of this honor, he will receive a plaque and a $1,000 award at the Sept. 4 all-college meeting.Ìý