1. How to be a Good Mentor/Mentee
Experimental Biology 2002
Co-Sponsored by Women in APS and ASPET
How to be a Good Mentor/Mentee

2. Overview of the Mentoring Process Introduction to the Symposium
Dr. Robin Davisson The University of Iowa Anatomy and Cell Biology Iowa City, Iowa

3. Mentor: An Ancient Notion
Homer’s Odyssey
Mentor was a “wise and trusted counselor” whom Odysseus entrusted with the care and education of his son Telemachus during his travels

4. 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

5. 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

6. Who needs a mentor? Undergraduate students Graduate students
Postdoctoral trainees
Early-career science professionals
Scientists at all other career stages
All of the above

7. 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

8. 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

9. Today’s symposium Part I: Presentations by panelists
Part II: Specific issues: small work groups
Part III: Open-panel discussion