The Dr. Lynne Goodstein and Dr. Peter Langer Award for Honors Advising

Dr. Lynne Goodstein & Dr. Peter Langer

Since 2017, a member of the Honors Program faculty or staff is awarded the distinction and recognition for outstanding advising. This honor is determined by nominations submitted by Honors students, providing them the opportunity to share their experience and the positive impact of the faculty or staff member they have nominated.

Award Description 

This award recognizes outstanding undergraduate advising by faculty or staff members to Honors Program students. Nominees have provided exceptional advising experiences and academic guidance to Honors students. Established in 2012 by the late Dr. Lynne Goodstein and her husband, Dr. Peter Langer, this recognition is their legacy and continuing commitment to the Honors Program.

Most Recent Awardee​

    Photo of Dr. Arlind Mara
    Arlind Mara, Assistant Research Professor, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science
    		 Arlind Mara is an Assistant Research Professor at the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science at the University of Connecticut, where he performs cutting-edge immunology and infectious disease research. His work dissects how bacterial pathogens interact with the host to shape disease outcomes and using this knowledge to inform the development of safe vaccines and therapeutics that protect both human and animal health. With significant contributions to Mycoplasma pneumoniae pathogenesis and allergic airway disease (such as asthma), his research has helped overcome longstanding roadblocks in vaccine development as well as advancing our understanding of infectious disease susceptibility.

    Equally committed to mentorship, Dr. Mara fosters resilience and scientific curiosity among undergraduate students, encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn through failure. His advising philosophy empowers students to think critically, approach problem-solving with creativity, and build confidence in their scientific abilities. Many of his mentees have gone on to successful careers in academia, medicine, and industry, demonstrating his dedication to both research and mentorship. Dr. Mara proudly acknowledges that his success is deeply intertwined with the hard work, passion and brilliance of the students he has mentored. These students bring fresh perspectives, invaluable contributions, and a remarkable dedication to scientific inquiry that deserves equal recognition.

     

    Past Goodstein-Langer Award Recipients 

    Richard N. Langlois, Professor, Economics
    Yongku Cho, Associate Professor, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
    Kaitlin Heenehan, Associate Director, Honors Program at the Regional Campuses
    and Director, Regional Campuses for Enrichment Programs
    Nicholas Leadbeater, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry

    Requirements for Nominations & Nomination Process

    Requirements for Nominations

    • The nominee must be a full-time faculty or staff member.*
    • The nominee exhibits excellence in advising Honors students.
    • The student submitting the nomination must be a current Honors student.

    *Teaching assistants and graduate assistants are not eligible for this award.

    Nomination Process

    • Nominations for the 2025-2026 Dr. Lynne Goodstein and Dr. Peter Langer Award for Honors Advising may be submitted on the nomination website by March 13, 2026.

    Selection Process

    • Nominations are reviewed by the selection committee, comprised of members of Honors Program leadership staff, faculty, and students.
    • Nominees will be notified of their nomination during the spring semester.
    • The Honors Program will confirm each nominee’s availability to attend an in-person recognition event.
    • Nominees will submit a current curriculum vitae.

    Please email honors@uconn.edu for more information.