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Professors Xiao Wang and Rodrigo Verdi, both part of the 2023-25 Committed to Caring group, are assisting in the cultivation of remarkable researchers and promoting a cooperative environment.
“Professor Xiao Wang’s nurturing efforts have a significant effect on her students’ lives,” one of her mentees praised.
“Rodrigo’s commitment to mentorship and his steadfast support have greatly benefited every pupil in our team,” another student remarked.
For MIT graduate students, the Committed to Caring initiative honors those who exceed expectations.
Xiao Wang: Enriching, stimulating, and empowering students
Xiao Wang is a key member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and serves as an associate professor in the Chemistry Department at MIT. She launched her lab in 2019 to innovate and utilize new chemical, biophysical, and genomic methodologies aimed at enhancing the understanding of tissue functions and dysfunctions at the molecular scale.
Wang goes the extra mile to cultivate a supportive atmosphere that promotes growth and facilitates her students’ personal and academic journeys. She prioritizes creating an intellectually stimulating space, dedicating time each week to discuss research interests, academic ambitions, and personal goals.
In their nominations, her students highlighted that Wang recognizes the significance of mentorship, patiently clarifying core concepts, sharing insights from her groundbreaking research, and supplying her students with essential scientific articles and tools to enhance their comprehension of the field.
“Professor Wang urged me to think analytically, pose difficult questions, and investigate creative strategies to advance my research,” one student remarked.
Outside the lab, Wang fosters a sense of community among her research group. Her frequent lab gatherings are highly treasured by her students, where “peer researchers showcased … findings, exchanged thoughts, and received constructive critique.”
These sessions encourage collaboration, refine communication abilities, and create a supportive atmosphere where all lab participants feel motivated to share their discoveries and insights.
Wang is a devoted and empathetic educator, renowned for her steadfast dedication to the welfare and success of her students. Her mentees not only thrive academically but also cultivate resilience, self-assurance, and a sense of belonging.
One student shared that although they had a background in organic chemistry with limited skills in the realm of chemical biology, Wang recognized their passion and potential. She went out of her way to ensure they experienced a seamless transition. “It is thanks to all her guidance and support that I went from knowing little about the field to confidently identifying myself as a chemical biologist,” the student declared.
Her mentees express that Wang encourages them to showcase their work at conferences, workshops, and seminars. This fosters their confidence and builds connections within the academic community.
“Her authentic concern and commitment make her a valued mentor and a source of motivation for all fortunate enough to learn from her,” one of her mentees noted.
Rodrigo Verdi: Committed and collaborative
Professor Rodrigo Verdi serves as the deputy dean of degree programs and teaching and learning at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Verdi’s research offers insights into the significance of accounting information in corporate finance decisions and behavior within capital markets.
Professor Verdi has engaged with the majority of Sloan students throughout their research experiences. He ensures to support students even if he isn’t their primary advisor. One student noted, “even though Rodrigo isn’t my main advisor, he still goes out of his way to provide feedback and assistance.”
Verdi believes that “a hunger for experimentation, the capability to face failure, and managing stress throughout the process” is vital support for particularly innovative research.
Another student shared that they “cannot recall a single recent graduate since … [they] began the PhD program who didn’t have Rodrigo on their committee.” This illustrates how much students value his guidance and dedication to their success.
Since joining MIT, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentoring students. Despite his numerous responsibilities as an associate dean, Rodrigo remains highly approachable and enthusiastic in his interactions with students.
Specifically, Verdi has engaged with over 90 percent of recent graduates within the last decade, significantly contributing to the department’s robust success in job placements. He has been a member of the dissertation committee for 18 students over the past 15 years, reflecting nearly all students in the department.
A student commented that “Rodrigo has been an outstanding advisor during my job market season, which is typically fraught with stress.” He provided constant encouragement and support, making himself available for discussions whenever challenges arose.
After each job market interview, Verdi and the student would review and discuss areas for improvement. His insights into the academic system, the importance of social skills and networking, along with his valuable guidance helped the student secure a faculty position successfully.
Rodrigo’s mantra is, “people won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” and his relationships with his students reflect this principle.
Verdi has made a significant impact on the culture of the accounting discipline and plays an essential role in the dynamics at the Sloan School. One of his students praised, “the collaborative atmosphere is remarkable: I’d describe it as a family, where faculty and students are closely connected.” They explained that they “share the same workspace, have lunch together, and whenever students seek feedback, the faculty is eager to assist.”
Verdi possesses sharp research insights and is always willing to help, even amidst a busy administrative schedule. He remains accessible to students, often staying after hours with his door open.
Another mentee mentioned that “he has organized weekly PhD lunch seminars for years, online brown-bags among current and past MIT accounting members during the pandemic, and more recently the annual MIT accounting alumni conference.” Verdi also treats students to dinner or coffee, caring about their well-being outside the academic realm. The student praised, “I feel fortunate that Rodrigo is here.”
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