About the Award
The Dr. Eddie Reed Excellence in Mentoring Award honors the memory of Dr. Eddie Reed, a trailblazing cancer researcher and medical oncologist. The award was established to recognize Dr. Reed’s legacy as a mentor and encourage the efforts of faculty who consistently demonstrate excellence in mentoring.
The award recognizes faculty who are passionate about mentoring individuals in their professional training and life and effectively assisting individuals toward meeting their goals. This award also recognizes the value of quality mentoring relationships and the impact they have on professional development and career advancement in all aspects of healthcare research, teaching, and administration.
Honoring Eddie Reed, M.D.
Born in 1953 in Huges, Arkansas, Dr. Reed excelled academically at Philander Smith College in Little Rock and earned his medical degree from Yale. He began his career at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) where he later led the Clinical Pharmacology Branch. Dr. Reed’s impact is reflected in over 300 scientific papers and his mentorship legacy. He passed away in 2014, leaving a lasting imprint on cancer research and cancer care.
2026 Awardee
Analiz Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, FAANS
Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery
College of Medicine
Research Program: Cancer Therapeutics
Dr. Rodriguez was recognized for her continued commitment to mentoring at UAMS and throughout the country, having served as a mentor to many students and early career researchers at UAMS with a focus on encouraging premedical and medical students to consider careers in cancer research.
“What sets Dr. Rodriguez apart is not only her dedication to professional development, but the way she shows up for her mentees. I recall receiving a call from her about an opportunity at Harvard Medical School, something she remembered I had mentioned in passing. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to apply, and with her support, I was selected for a highly competitive visiting internship program this past summer.” Grace Guzman, medical student
2024 Awardee
Antiño Allen, Ph.D.
Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Radiation Health
College of Pharmacy
Research Program: Cancer Therapeutics
Dr. Allen was recognized for his mentoring excellence in UAMS, acknowledging the positive impact his role leading mentorship programs within UAMS has made, particularly in encouraging students and early career researchers.
“Dr. Allen has been a pillar in the community for recruiting students to enter science… He truly enjoys mentoring and will always take every available opportunity to help others. Dr. Allen has been an exemplary “roadmap” of success for myself and many others.”
– Analiz Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, FAANS, Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine