On Jul. 6, 2009, Kevin Ahern, an instructor in Biochemistry and Biophysics at Oregon State University, was the recipient of the Medical Research Foundation of Oregon Mentor Award is given for outstanding leadership and support of health research, education or the advancement of health care.

This award has been made for 21 years to an Oregonian who has provided “outstanding leadership and support of health research, education or the advancement of health care.” The Medical Research Foundation supports biomedical exploration and the development of research careers in clinical investigation in Oregon, through seed grants and other initiatives. “Kevin has touched the minds and souls of thousands of OSU students, helping them to develop and pursue careers in medicine and biomedical research,” said Dr. John Fitchen, chair of the Medical Research Foundation Committee.

Ahern, who received his doctoral degree from OSU, is an author and editor of scientific publications and journals, on such topics as molecular biology, biotechnology software and biochemistry. He has received numerous awards at OSU for both teaching and student advising.