William M. Heller Mentor of the Year Award

The William M. Heller Mentor of the Year is a highly visible award. Mentors are an integral part of AFPE’s mission. The Mentor of the Year is given to the AFPE mentor who exemplifies the characteristics of valuing ongoing learning, a willingness to share expertise, exhibiting enthusiasm in their field, providing guidance with respect, and is nominated by their mentees and colleagues.

William M. Heller (Bill) is a dedicated AFPE Fellow, mentor, global visionary, Remington awardee, Harvey A.K Whitney lecturer and, former AFPE board member, and the former Executive Director of USP. Bill has dedicated his career to drug quality and safety. His outstanding skills as a mentor have impacted those who are fortunate enough to have worked with him throughout his career.

AFPE requests nominations for the William M. Heller Mentor of the Year Award in April, and the winner is announced July. The Mentor of the Year receives an etched glass commemorative sculpture and a $1,000 award.

The 2026 Mentor of the Year Recipient is Hugh D.C. Smyth, University of Texas at Austin – CLICK HERE to read about the press release

The William M. Heller Mentor of the Year Award honors faculty members nominated by students and colleagues for their exceptional mentorship, commitment, leadership, teaching, and support.

Hugh D.C. Smyth, Ph.D. is a tenured professor and the Alcon Centennial Professor in the College of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Smyth’s group focuses on Drug Delivery, Formulation Science, and Pharmaceutical Engineering. Work in Dr. Smyth’s lab focuses on the development of novel methods for drug delivery including inhalation, nasal, transdermal, ophthalmic, and oral delivery systems for a variety of diseases. Translation of these technologies to the clinic is the long-term goal of the lab and is supported by developing a mechanistic understanding of complex physical and biological systems.

Many of his trainees have earned competitive fellowships, research awards, and professional recognition, and they appear throughout an extensive body of collaborative scholarship. More important than any single accomplishment, however, is the confidence and independence his mentees carry into their own careers.

One student captured his approach this way: “He once said, ‘I want to be the GPS system on your journey, guiding you when you’re really lost,’ and that is exactly how he mentors.” The student added that Smyth remembers the smallest details about trainees’ goals, helps them build confidence and direction, and has created a supportive, collaborative laboratory culture where people can learn, persist, and thrive.

Upon learning of the recognition, Smyth said: “I am deeply honored to receive the William M. Heller Mentor of the Year Award. Mentoring students and young scientists has been one of the most rewarding parts of my academic career. It is a privilege to watch them develop their own ideas, confidence, and independence, and ultimately to see them succeed well beyond the laboratory. I am especially grateful to my current and former trainees for this recognition. Mentoring them has shaped my career just as surely as I hope I have helped shape theirs.”

Samuel Poloyac, Dean of The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, praised Smyth’s lasting impact: “Congratulations to Hugh Smyth in receiving this prestigious award! Hugh has been an outstanding mentor in his expertise area of drug delivery to so many PhD, PharmD, Post-Doctoral, and undergraduate students over the years. Thank you as well to AFPE for the vital support you provide to our faculty and students.”

Through the William M. Heller Mentor of the Year Award, AFPE celebrates the quiet, consequential work of mentorship: opening doors, strengthening confidence, sharing hard-won knowledge, and helping talented people become independent leaders. Smyth’s career embodies that promise—and demonstrates how one exceptional mentor can shape not only individual lives, but the future of pharmaceutical science, education, and patient care.

Past Mentors of the Year

2025: Mark Bounthavong, University of California San Diego

2024: Anna Schwendeman, University of Michigan

2023: Carol S. Lim, University of Utah

2022: Peter W. Swaan, University of Maryland

2019: Kimberly Garza, Auburn University

2018: Kathleen Giacomini, University of California, San Francisco

2017: Gordon Amidon, University of Michigan

2016: Francis Szoka, University of California, San Francisco

2015: Lauren Aleksunes, Rutgers University