What is Research Mentoring? 

Mentorship is a professional, working alliance in which individuals work together over time to support the personal and professional growth, development, and success of the relational partners through the provision of career and psychosocial support (NASEM Report “The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM").

Why is it Important?

At its best, mentoring can be a life-altering relationship that inspires mutual growth, learning, and development. Its effects can be remarkable, profound, and enduring; mentoring relationships have the capacity to transform individuals, groups, organizations, and communities (Ragins and Kram, 2007).

Some benefits of research mentoring include:

• Enhanced science identity, sense of belonging and self-efficacy (Palepuetal, 1998; Garman et al, 2001; Paglis et al, 2006; Lopatto, 2007; Bland et al, 2009; Feldmanet et al, 2010; Cho et al, 2011; Chemers et al,2011; Thiry and Laursen, 2011; Byars-Winston et al, 2015)
• Persistence (Gloria et al, 2001; Solorzano, 1993; McGee and Keller, 2007; Sambunjak et al, 2010; Williams et al, 2015; Bordes-Edgar et al, 2011; Campbell and Campbell, 1997)
• Research productivity (Steiner and Lanphear, 2002; 2007; Wingardetal, 2004)
• Higher career satisfaction (Schapiraetal, 1992; Beechetal, 2013)
• Enhanced recruitment of minoritized students and faculty (Hathawayetal, 2002; Nagdaetal, 1998)