Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Bringing the Clinic Home: An At-Home Multi-Modal Data Collection Ecosystem to Support Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation
Published on: July 14, 2023
SPNSOR: A Structured Mentorship Network Intervention to Support Postdoctoral Success
Amanda Carbajal1, Felicia Setiono1, Alexandra Kuvaeva1
1SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research.
A new mentoring program, Structured Professional Networks for Successful Outcomes in Research (SPNSOR), shows high satisfaction among STEM postdocs. This network-based approach supports holistic career and well-being needs, moving beyond traditional one-on-one mentorship.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Career Development
- Mentorship Models
Background:
- Traditional one-on-one mentorship in STEM often lacks holistic support for postdoctoral scholars.
- There is a growing need for evidence-based programs that foster comprehensive development in research, career, and well-being.
- Social network and social capital theories support the efficacy of developmental network models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and pilot the Structured Professional Networks for Successful Outcomes in Research (SPNSOR) program.
- To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of a network-based mentorship intervention for biomedical postdocs.
- To address critical gaps in postdoctoral mentorship by fostering strategic, network-based support.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week virtual intervention program (SPNSOR) was delivered to an intervention group (n=9).
- A control group (n=10) received a single workshop on optimizing primary mentoring relationships.
- Participants were biomedical postdocs randomized across New York State.
Main Results:
- The SPNSOR intervention demonstrated high satisfaction, acceptability, and utility (median score of 4.5/5).
- Early findings indicate the program is a relevant and well-received intervention.
- The program fosters strategic, network-based support for postdoctoral scholars.
Conclusions:
- The SPNSOR program effectively addresses critical gaps in postdoctoral mentorship.
- Network-based mentorship models offer a holistic approach to trainee development.
- SPNSOR presents a feasible and well-received intervention for enhancing STEM postdoctoral support.
