Dr. Benita Katzenellenbogen, Swanlund Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, was named the recipient of the 2011 Women in Endocrinology Mentor Award.

She is an internationally recognized scientist in the field of molecular endocrinology, with a focus on estrogen signaling and breast cancer. Dr. Katzenellenbogen has published over 300 research articles in peer reviewed journals and has won numerous research awards, including the Endocrine Society’s Roy O. Greep Lecture Award (2006) and the Susan G. Komen Foundation Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction (2009).

Her research accomplishments, as well as her loyalty and dedication to her trainees, have made her a highly sought after mentor by young scientists from all over the world. She leads by example and has created an environment in her laboratory and community of past trainees that fosters scientific exploration, career development, and a cooperative spirit. Dr. Katzenellenbogen’s dedication to the career advancement of her trainees-undergraduates, graduate students, and post docs-continues well after they leave her laboratory.

She has also participated in a wide variety of organized activities aimed at promoting the careers of junior investigators and eliminating discrimination against women scientists. Through her efforts with the Endocrine Society, both as President (2000-2001) and a member of many society committees, she has worked to provide opportunities to young scientists and helped to create a level playing field for women in science. Beyond this, through her own career success and outreach, she has served as a role model to women in and outside of her own laboratory and university.