Introduction
The Institute of Biological Chemistry recognizes the value of a faculty mentoring program to encourage and promote the professional growth of new and untenured faculty members within the Institute, the University, and the scientific community at large.
The Institute's faculty mentoring program offers an opportunity for untenured faculty to receive guidance and support for successful career enhancement and professional advancement, and provides a process to network with colleagues both within and outside the University system. To achieve these goals, the program includes the following:
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A one-on-one mentoring partnership designated by the director of the IBC (i.e., the non-tenured faculty member will be partnered with a senior, tenured faculty with several years of expertise in his/her field and experience in the University system);
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Numerous opportunities for formal and informal meetings/discussions with the director, the mentor and other Institute faculty for advice, encouragement and professional feedback;
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Scientific collaboration on selected projects with the mentor, as well as with other members of the Institute;
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Available leadership roles for the mentee on selected departmental committees and special projects (including the graduate student program and its training grant); and
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A commitment by the Institute's administrative and support staff to offer its knowledge of and support for working with the formal University system, as well as with its informal rules and structure.
Specific Opportunities with Mentor:
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Assist mentee in understanding the structure and culture of the Institute and the University.
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Help mentee develop a professional network by offering contacts both within and outside the University community.
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Offer mentee constructive advice and feedback on grant proposals, manuscripts, research objectives and methods, and overall program development.
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Collaborate with mentee on research projects as opportunities arise.
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Assist the mentee with prioritizing his professional responsibilities.
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Provide guidance for mentee with graduate student advisement and supervision.
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Provide guidance for mentee concerning lab personnel supervision.
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Offer mentee frequent opportunities for informal discussion and communication regarding a variety of professional issues.
Departmental Mentoring Opportunities:
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Chair the Graduate Program in Molecular Plant Sciences Seminar Speaker Series
This involves working with the IBC/Molecular Plant Sciences faculty to host speakers for the seminar series offered each semester. The mentee contacts his/her colleagues within the IBC and in other University departments to discuss possible speakers and has the opportunity to formally and informally network with the scientists from other institutions who participate in the program. -
Participate in the Plant Biochemistry Research and Training Center
The Mentee is encouraged to recruit graduate students to his/her research program as part of the training grant, and may collaborate with senior faculty members on research projects related to the training center. -
Share common equipment, lab support areas, and support staff, which helps to create an atmosphere of teamwork for the mentee and his/her lab personnel.