Researchers often are not trained for the crucial role they play in mentoring the next generation of scientists even though evidence shows that research experiences have a significant impact on student outcomes and productivity, particularly for students who are members of groups historically underrepresented in science. To address this, researchers at the University of Wisconsin – Madison have developed formal training curricula for research mentors and their trainees, Entering Mentoring, Culturally Aware Mentoring, and Entering Research. These evidence-based curricula are designed to improve mentoring relationships and promote equity and inclusion within STEM disciplines. Originally developed in the early 2000s, the curricula have been adopted by the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) and are available through the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER). Entering Mentoring is a one-day training focused on developing these mentoring competencies: Aligning Expectations; Addressing Equity and Inclusion; Articulating your Mentoring Philosophy and Plan; Assessing Understanding; Cultivating Ethical Behavior; Fostering Independence; Maintaining Effective Communication; and Promoting Professional Development. Modules on Promoting Mentee Research Self-Efficacy and Enhancing Work-Life Integration are also available. Culturally Aware Mentoring is a “level two” training for mentors who have completed Entering Mentoring, and aims to increase mentors’ awareness of their cultural identities while providing opportunities to build skills in effectively addressing racial and ethnicity identity in research mentoring relationships. Entering Research includes 96 individual active learning activities that can be used to build novel customized curricula or integrated into existing curricula. The activities address seven areas of research trainee development: Research Comprehension and Communication Skills; Practical Research Skills; Research Ethics; Researcher Identity; Researcher Confidence and Independence; Equity and Inclusion Awareness and Skills; and Professional and Career Development Skills. Evidence of effectiveness and opportunities to implement and receive training to use these curricula will be presented.

Training to optimize and build culturally aware research mentoring relationships

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.