An effective workshop on "How to be an Effective Mentor for Underrepresented STEM Trainees"
Andrea G Marshall1, Zer Vue1, Caroline B Palavicino-Maggio2
1Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
Pathogens and Disease
|June 16, 2022
Summary
Effective mentorship is crucial for underrepresented minority (URM) students in STEM. This workshop offers a framework for quality mentorship training to combat discrimination and improve retention for persons excluded by their ethnicity or race (PEER) scholars.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Mentorship Training
Background:
- Minorities remain underrepresented in STEM programs despite initiatives.
- The academic pipeline for underrepresented minority (URM) scholars is hindered by ineffective mentorship.
- URM students often face microaggressions and discrimination due to inadequate mentor training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a framework for effective mentoring.
- To illustrate what quality mentorship entails for trainees.
- To highlight the value of mentors for URM trainees.
Main Methods:
- A workshop framework is presented.
- Key components of effective mentoring are explained.
- The benefits of supportive mentoring environments are discussed.
Main Results:
- Effective mentoring fosters environments where mentees feel welcomed and can develop ideas freely.
- Quality mentoring includes motivational support, empathy, cultural competency, and specific training.
- Understanding effective mentoring strategies can help URM trainees thrive.
Conclusions:
- Improved mentorship training is essential to address the underrepresentation of minorities in STEM.
- Creating inclusive and supportive mentoring environments is key to retaining URM scholars.
- Mentors can be invaluable resources for URM students' academic and professional development.
