Joshi receives Ferguson College of Agriculture Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award
Monday, June 2, 2025
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Omkar Joshi, associate professor in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, is the 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Award.
Since joining the Ferguson College of Agriculture faculty in 2016, Joshi has advised and mentored 16 graduate students, two post-doctoral students and has assisted in advising several undergraduate students. Joshi’s research expertise is related to the economic and social aspects of forest production and health in Oklahoma. He has helped publish more than 90 journal articles and secure 21 grants, totaling approximately $15 million in research funding.
Jim Ansley, natural resource ecology and management department head, said Joshi invests a great amount of time mentoring his graduate students on research projects, coursework and professional preparedness.
“Dr. Joshi conducts weekly meetings with his students and discusses career goals as well as key timing points of tasks that need to be accomplished during each student’s program,” Ansley said. “He has high expectations but provides an organized structure each student can follow, and his students really appreciate that.”
In addition to working with graduate students, Joshi teaches the undergraduate Forest Management and Economics course and the Natural Resource Administration and Policy course. He serves as advisor for the student chapter of Xi Sigma Pi, co-advisor for the Ferguson College Student Council, and as a representative for the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management on the Ferguson College faculty council.
Joshi said he believes not taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach to advising and mentoring creates a positive learning environment for students.
“Every student is different and brings unique qualities and aspirations,” Joshi said. “Each of my mentees has different and distinct career interests, and because of these differences, I tailor my approach to accommodate personal needs, career goals and the personalities of each student.”
Through this personalized approach, several of Joshi’s mentees have succeeded by publishing peer-reviewed articles, manuscripts and research, delivering professional presentations, and receiving awards for thesis and research work.
“The care and attention Dr. Joshi gives each of his students is inspiring,” said Cynda Clary, associate dean of academic programs. “He prioritizes making each student’s experience unique, making their success both in their academics and future careers a priority with a positive and encouraging mindset.”
Joshi’s students echo similar praises to his dedication to student success. Maddie Watts, a graduate student in natural resource ecology and management, said Joshi’s mentorship has taught her to believe in herself.
“Dr. Joshi recognizes the areas where I’m most anxious and has been a great encouragement in building my confidence and skills in my academic and professional experiences,” Watts said. “He has always made me feel respected and important in my work, which has been extremely important to me.”