KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 28, 2026

Each year Kennesaw State University’s Office of Undergraduate Research awards one faculty member the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award. To be chosen, a mentor must have shown not only passion for research but also extraordinary dedication to their students.

This year’s outstanding undergraduate research mentor award winner is Carl Saint-Louis, an assistant professor of organic chemistry in the College of Science and Mathematics.

Saint-Louis began teaching at KSU in 2020 but has been an Owl for much longer. Having graduated from KSU, Saint-Louis explained he felt drawn to being an undergraduate research mentor because of his own experience in undergraduate research at KSU.

Two of his current undergraduate students, Lilianna Kocai and Skylor Seetaram, described Saint-Louis as hardworking and passionate.

When asked what receiving this award meant to him, his response not only highlighted the work in his lab, but also his focus on making sure that his students feel a sense of belonging in STEM.

“Receiving this award is very meaningful to me,” said Saint-Louis. “And it affirmed to me that my mentor approach of meeting my students where they are at, as well as investing time into creating an inclusive research environment is successful, and that impact is visible in how my students are performing.”

Kocai, a junior biochemistry major, began working with Saint-Louis as a freshman, when she joined his lab through the First-Year Scholars Program, and his mentorship provided her with guidance both inside and outside the lab. She partially credits her early exposure to a real science lab with her success.

“Whenever I'm in class and I see something that I like recognize from lab, it helps me understand things better,” Kocai said. “And at the same time, when I don't understand something, for example, in organic chemistry class, I can always go to  Dr. Saint-Louis, and he will help me out.”

Now part of the Junior and Seniors Scholars Program, Kocai has no plans to leave Saint-Louis’ lab anytime soon.

Seetaram also met Saint-Louis through the First-Year Scholars Program and  is currently working  on her Birla Carbon project, a prestigious research initiative at KSU that funds only twelve undergraduates each summer. After having experience in an organic chemistry lab, Seetaram is sure that is what she wants to do in the future and says this decision has motivated her to strive to do well academically.

“I was a first-generation student, and I believe that conducting research as an undergraduate student and also having a good research mentor guided my career,” said Saint-Louis.

He described his mentoring style as supportive, but structured. He provides the proper instructions and demonstrations but ultimately wants his students to become independent so they can carry these skills beyond their education.

“I had a student start in my lab very uncertain and nervous,” Saint-Louis said. “They were afraid to touch the glassware, but to see him grow from not trusting himself to someone helping mentor other students and pursuing a PhD, that is one of the most exciting moments in a mentor’s life.”

Since becoming a mentor, Saint-Louis has mentored 75 undergraduate students. Of these students, 100% of them have earned co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications and presented their research at conferences on the local, state, and national levels. Many of them have also attended prestigious summer programs, like Seetaram, and are pursuing graduate degrees. 

“As an undergraduate research mentor, I focus on making sure the students are confident in their skills and are problem-solvers,” said Saint-Louis. “I give them the necessary skills that they need and make sure that they can actually transfer the skills to somebody else.”

Saint-Louis is a testament to the quality of the faculty at KSU. He works each day to not only inspire his students, and prepare them for their futures, but also instill in them what they need to train the next generation.

– Story and video by Alyssa Ozment

Photo by Darnell Wilburn

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.