Kennesaw State University announced on Apr. 28 that Carl Saint-Louis, assistant professor of organic chemistry in the College of Science and Mathematics, has been named the 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor.
The award is given each year by the university’s Office of Undergraduate Research to a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to mentoring students in research. This recognition highlights the importance of strong mentorship for student success in academic research.
Saint-Louis began teaching at Kennesaw State University in 2020 but is also an alumnus of the institution. He said his own undergraduate research experience at KSU inspired him to become a mentor. “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.”
His current undergraduate students Lilianna Kocai and Skylor Seetaram described him as hardworking and passionate about helping others succeed. Kocai credited her early involvement with Saint-Louis’ lab through the First-Year Scholars Program for her academic progress, saying, “Whenever I’m in class and I see something that I like recognize from lab, it helps me understand things better… And at the same time, when I don’t understand something…I can always go to Dr. Saint-Louis, and he will help me out.” Seetaram met him through the same program and now works on a Birla Carbon project funded for select undergraduates each summer.
Saint-Louis reflected on his own journey as a first-generation student: “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.” He described his mentoring style as supportive but structured—helping students gain independence so they can apply their skills beyond university.
Since becoming a mentor at KSU, Saint-Louis has mentored 75 undergraduate students; all have earned co-authorships on peer-reviewed publications or presented their work at conferences locally or nationally. Many have attended prestigious summer programs or pursued 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.”