Many of us do not automatically associate the word 'boss' with 'mentor.' However, increasingly in laboratories around campus many head scientists and researchers have found themselves having to fulfill both roles for the many undergrad future scientists they employ.
As a result of discussion among faculty, graduate students and post-doctoral about the challenges of mentoring, the Mentoring Seminar has emerged promising to tackle the most challenging mentorship and integration issues. The Mentoring Seminar is an eight-week course consisting of eight one-hour discussion sections.
'While it is true that there is no 'right' way to mentor and that each mentoring relationship is different, we believe that there are some core issues which can and should be discussed,' said Christine Pfund, associate researcher in the School of Education and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 'In addition, the Mentoring Seminar provides a venue for mentors to share their experiences, support one another and learn from each other.'
Undergrad research is essential for students to progress in the sciences. Students are more likely to persist in the sciences when involved with research and are more likely to be more productive under a good mentor. That good mentor, according to Pfund, is someone who 'perhaps most importantly, is willing to ask for feedback on their mentoring.'
Demanding target subjects for the seminar vary from addressing issues of diversity to establishing communication expectations. A study published in the Jan. 27 issue of Science said that mentors are more than three times as likely to approach issues of diversity after undergoing training than without training, and that trained mentors are nearly twice as likely to discuss their students' expectations.
UW-Madison sophomore Brian Kenealy and his researching team under Dr. Elaine Alarid are studying how estrogen receptors work within cells.
'In a lot of labs on campus, an undergrad just gets to do simple lab up-keeping tasks. However, in my lab I am part of a team. This is because everyone takes time to help each other out and teach new things.' Kenealy said. 'My professor has done an excellent job in mentoring me, I can go in and talk to her just about anything and she will listen and give advice.'
While mentoring seminars are helping to improve the overall relationship between student and faculty researchers, matching students with the right mentors seems to some undergrads like looking for a perfect spouse.
'I think it is not easy for students to find the right person to research under, but I think asking some key questions such as, 'Why do you want to mentor me'? 'What is your approach to mentoring'? and 'What are your expectations of your mentees'? will help,' Pfund said. 'These questions can help students figure out if a mentor is a good match for them ?? Students [should] spend some time thinking about the things that work for them in a relationship and the things that frustrate them before choosing a mentor.'
