Chung-Ho Lin, lead scientist for the Center for Agroforestry’s bioremediation and natural products research programs, has been selected for the 2025 CAFNR Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award. He was presented with the honor at CAFNR’s annual awards ceremony, Celebration of Excellence, on Thursday, April 17.

Lin has officially advised 14 undergraduates, 22 Master’s students, 26 Doctorate students and has mentored 6 postdoctoral researchers. He has informally advised numerous undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral and early-career researchers. Since 2017, he has published more than 50 manuscripts with mentees. 

“It is an honor to work with Dr. Chung-Ho Lin and witness his mentoring of students,” said Caroline Todd, business support specialist II, School of Natural Resources. “He believes in a team approach and sets the best example of listening to the concerns of others. Dr. Lin’s main goal is to help humankind through scientific research and part of this is helping students learn.” 

“Despite his demanding schedule as a productive scientist, Dr. Lin makes it a priority to consistently connect with each of his graduate students through weekly one-on-one meetings,” said Elizabeth Rogers, PhD candidate and graduate research assistant in Lin’s lab. “In these meetings, I have received advice not only on my research, but on my broader life, with topics ranging from what makes a successful scientist and valued collaborator, to building confidence as a researcher, to navigating career options, to managing stress.” 

“It’s difficult to summarize Dr. Lin’s impact on my career into one page, however, one phrase that Dr. Lin often says comes to my mind: ‘I am at your service. Anything you need, you let me know. I will make sure that you have what you need to succeed.’ This phrase epitomizes not only the humble, helpful person that Dr. Lin is, but the philosophy that drives his interaction with his students during their time at Mizzou and beyond,” said former mentee Ryan Vinhal.