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The Graduate School congratulates Dr. Davide Oppo as a recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Master’s Mentor Award.

Dr. Davide Oppo is the Pioneer Production Endowed Professor of Geology in the School of Geosciences whose research focuses mainly on sedimentary processes. Last September, the American Association of Petroleum Geologist (AAPG) Foundation recognized him as the recipient of its 2023 Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award at the IMAGE Conference in Houston, Texas. This is an annual award that recognizes one university-level educator who has creatively and with excellence inspired their geoscience students—and Dr. Oppo has most certainly inspired graduate students at UL Lafayette.

Nominated by graduate students and alumni from his research group who describe him as “an incredible advisor who has enthusiastically encouraged our academic and professional development,” Dr. Oppo has demonstrated a deep commitment to graduate student success—broadly defined—since joining the faculty at UL Lafayette in 2018. His mentorship philosophy goes beyond conventional methods of imparting knowledge, focusing on inspiring, challenging, and supporting students as they navigate their academic, professional, and personal journey.

As the faculty advisor for the AAPG student chapter, Dr. Oppo actively engages students in professional development activities, networking opportunities, and community outreach initiatives. His approach to mentorship and leadership has contributed to numerous students diving deeper into their research interests and embracing his “coaching” to secure “dream” internship and career opportunities. As the faculty advisor for the AAGP chapter and faculty mentor for the International Barrel Award (IBA) team, he supports this team of geoscience students as they compete annually against the best teams from across the globe to analyze real industry data to understand their potential for energy resources and to extract them sustainably. In 2023, the team—the first all-women team in University history—won the IBA North America Region competition and placed second in the international competition. “Having an all women team in a male dominated field could seem daunting,” says Margaret Dittman in her nomination letter, “but Dr. Oppo made sure that something like that didn’t discourage us—he had confidence in us since day one.” What a testament to his ability to empower students to reach their fullest potential!

Dr. Oppo’s mentorship approach is characterized by open communication, personalized support, and a genuine interest in his students’ well-being. He believes in fostering a transparent mentor-mentee relationship where the student is engaged and learning at all times. His goal is to prepare his students adequately for their future careers whether it be in academia or the industry, by not only building their knowledge and skills but also their confidence. "He encourages his students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore different perspectives,” says Bibi Aseeya Mohamed in her nomination letter, “creating an environment where students feel empowered to take risks and make mistakes in pursuit of deeper understanding.”

Dr. Oppo plays a vital role in shaping the academic landscape in other ways too. “From admissions to graduation, he has been a model master’s mentor,” says Dr. Brian Schubert, professor and interim director of the School of Geosciences. Through his own teaching that uses a wide range of pedagogical approaches, his commitment to funding grad students through his grants, and service as a member of the Geology Graduate Committee, he “actively works with his colleagues to improve the overall curricula for our students.” His contributions ensure that the teaching and curriculum remain relevant, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of the geosciences industry.

Thank you, Dr. Oppo, for mentoring our graduate students with a commitment to helping them confidently and independently pursue their own goals. “We are not accessories to his own research,” says Peyton Dardeau in her nomination letter, “but leaders of our own.” His “post-graduation mindset, facilitation of a safe and supportive lab environment, and his dedication to creating true researchers,” she continues, “makes him a truly outstanding master’s mentor.” We could not agree more. You are what defines excellence at the �������Ƶ.