"Dr. Usha Mahawar Recognized with prestigious Robert F. Diegelmann Award for Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow (2025) in the Department of CMGM at VCU"
Dr. Usha Mahawar (Middle) with Dr. Diegelmann standing on the left and Dr. Wattenberg (her PI) standing on the right.
Dr. Usha Mahawar (Middle) with CMGM postdocs. Dr. Maryam is standing on the left, Dr. Jason is on the far left, Dr. Masoumeh is standing on the right, and Dr. Anna is on the far right.
By: Chanelle Kamga
Department of CMGM, VCU School of Medicine
Email: Kamganguekacb@vcu.edu
Date: 14th November 2025
Dr. Usha Mahawar, a postdoctoral fellow and president of the CMGM postdoc association in the Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine in Dr. Binks Wattenberg’s lab, has been recognized with the Robert F. Diegelmann Award for Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow (2025). This prestigious award honors postdoctoral scholars who have demonstrated exceptional research accomplishments, leadership, and service to the scientific community. This award comes with a $1000 prize and a Memento.
The award is named after Dr. Robert F. Diegelmann, a Distinguished Career and Emeritus Professor and a pioneering researcher in wound healing in the former department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at VCU School of Medicine. This award was established in 2025 to recognize the outstanding postdoctoral fellow in the Department of CMGM.
Dr. Diegelmann’s groundbreaking work has advanced our understanding of tissue repair, fibrosis, and regenerative medicine. Beyond his research, he is celebrated for his decades-long commitment to mentoring young scientists and fostering an environment where curiosity and collaboration thrive. The award bearing his name reflects his enduring influence on research excellence and trainee development across the university. Dr. Mahawar’s selection for this recognition underscores her outstanding contributions to advancing biomedical science and her commitment to professional growth.
As part of the vibrant postdoctoral community at VCU, Dr. Mahawar has contributed not only through research excellence but also through active participation in mentoring, departmental initiatives, and professional development opportunities. Whether collaborating with colleagues, guiding students in the lab, or participating in departmental initiatives, her efforts have made a lasting impact on those around her. The award highlights the essential role postdoctoral fellows play in advancing innovation and discovery within the university’s research ecosystem.
While the award celebrates scientific achievement, it also recognizes the broader impact postdocs have in fostering collaboration and supporting the next generation of trainees. Dr. Mahawar’s work exemplifies the qualities of dedication and perseverance that make VCU’s research environment thrive. Whether through mentoring students, collaborating across disciplines, or pursuing creative solutions to complex scientific challenges, her efforts reflect the spirit of excellence that defines the VCU CMGM postdoctoral community.
Dr. Mahawar’s recognition as the 2025 award recipient highlights both her scientific accomplishments and her contributions to the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines VCU’s research environment. Her work exemplifies the award’s core values like curiosity, perseverance, and dedication to advancing biomedical science. VCU proudly celebrates Dr. Mahawar’s achievement and looks forward to the continued impact of her research and leadership in advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Dr. Mahawar wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Diegelmann for his unwavering support in acknowledging the dedicated efforts of our postdocs. She also extends her sincere thanks to Dr. Lauren Cowart, the interim chair of the CMGM department, and Dr. Tomasz Kordula, the guiding mentor of the CMGM Postdoctoral Association. Dr. Mahawar acknowledges that this recognition truly hinges on the steadfast support from her PI, Dr. Brian (Binks) Wattenberg, as well as the incredible community of the CMGM postdoc association.
Moreover, she feels especially thankful for a few remarkable postdocs who have provided steadfast support since the very beginning of the CMGM postdoc association. Their encouragement has been invaluable, and she wishes to highlight Anna, Maryam, Masoumeh, Surya, and Juhi for their exceptional camaraderie and resilience. This award reflects not just individual efforts but the power of community and collaboration.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mahawar on this well-deserved honor and in celebrating her outstanding contributions to research and discovery at VCU.