Associate Professor of Kinesiology Sara Shuger Fox has received the 2021 Research Mentor Award from The Organization for Tropical Studies for her mentorship of underrepresented students through the National Science Foundation’s Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program.

Shuger Fox trained students in Costa Rica (previously in person and virtually in summer 2021) in designing and conducting independent research; collecting and analyzing data; writing a research manuscript; and preparing an oral presentation delivered at the OTS REU Research Symposium. With the help of Central students, Shuger Fox has conducted public health research in Costa Rica for five years, including research on centenarians in the Blue Zone of Nicoya, Costa Rica.

The Organization for Tropical Studies is a nonprofit consortium of about fifty universities, colleges and research institutions worldwide.