Mentorship Program

Program Description

Based on the positive feedback we received from the pilot project of ~80 participants last semester, the BMB EDI committee is proud to present the third iteration of the BMB Mentorship Program. The program matches mentees from under-represented groups in science with mentors within BMB to build meaningful connections with a professional, career, and scientific focus. This program is open to all members of the BMB department (undergrads, grad students, postdocs, and PI’s), with undergraduate students and graduate students as mentees and graduate students, postdocs and PIs as mentors.

The BMB mentorship program at a glance

Mentees: Undergraduate or graduate students in BMB

Mentors: Graduate students, postdocs and PIs in BMB

What: Mentees will be paired with a mentor and have the opportunity to ask questions, gain knowledge, network, and learn about opportunities surrounding the many possible careers and scientific disciplines within BMB. Mentors will have the opportunity to cultivate their communication and leadership skills as they share their valuable knowledge, experiences, and advice with junior members. 

When: October 2023 – April 2024.

Where: Up to you! Zoom, your favorite coffee spot, lab space, library – meeting pace and location are set at the convenience of you and your mentor/mentee.

Why: Share and learn knowledge, contribute to the BMB community, meet new people, make the world a better place!

Guidelines and expectations

Matching: We will do our best to match everyone based on interest/experiences, there may be some groups with multiple mentees per mentor.

Meetings: We recommend that meetings take place once a month, organized by each mentorship pair according to scheduling needs.

Format: We will provide materials for mentees and mentors to help frame discussions, but groups should feel free to discuss topics as they arise/see fit. Meetings should be a safe space for mentees to discuss various topics surrounding career and professional development, science, wellbeing, experiences in STEM, etc. Check in/feedback surveys will be sent to mentees and mentors during and after the program.

Conflicts. Any concerns, issues or conflicts that arise during this program should be reported to us at bmbmentorship@gmail.com. We will do our best to ensure optimal mentorship groups are assigned and can make additional arrangements as issues arise.

Events

In addition to matching mentor and mentee, the BMB mentorship program seeks to host events aimed at bringing participants together for networking, career development, and EDI-related discussions. Stay tuned for the announcements regarding our exciting upcoming events!

Spring 2023 meeting of the Mentors and Mentees!