How to be a Good MentorMentee

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How to be a Good Mentor/Mentee

• Experimental Biology 2002
• Co-Sponsored by Women in APS and ASPET

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Dr. Robin DavissonThe University of IowaAnatomy
and Cell BiologyIowa City, Iowarobin-davisson_at_u
iowa.edu

• Overview of the Mentoring Process
• Introduction to the Symposium

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Mentor An Ancient Notion

• Homers Odyssey
• Mentor was a wise and trusted counselor whom
  Odysseus entrusted with the care and education of
  his son Telemachus during his travels

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What does mentoring mean today?

• Often used in context of faculty advisor/student
  relationship, i.e. educational guidance
• So much more.
• Mentor takes a special interest in helping
  another person develop into a successful,
  independent professional
• Guidance in academic, technical, ethical and
  personal development

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Mentorship and the transition to an independent
scientific career

• From undergraduate education through the entire
  career of a researcher, the counsel and steerage
  of someone who has been there is critical
• The process and products of optimal mentorship
  are at the heart of a life in science for both
  mentor and mentee

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Who needs a mentor?

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Postdoctoral trainees
• Early-career science professionals
• Scientists at all other career stages
• All of the above

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It takes a village

• May need more than one mentor at any one time
• - area of expertise
• - level of seniority
• - match of personal attributes
• Need different types of mentors at different
  stages of career

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Mentorship Art and Science

• No two individuals arrive at college, graduate
  school, postdoctoral status, or professional rank
  with identical knowledge, skills, background or
  work style
• Mentorship must be customized, dynamic and a
  two-way street

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Todays symposium

• Part I Presentations by panelists
• Part II Specific issues small work groups
• Part III Open-panel discussion