The best mentor-mentee relationships are a lifelong commitment, much like a marriage. Often, these relationships happen serendipitously (e.g., because of a job/school situation), but no matter how they occur, the bonds that form can last an entire lifetime. Lists of the positive qualities in a mentor often include being a good role model, a willingness and ability to share and support and encourage, and being a good listener. But how does one learn to be a good mentor? And how does one find an appropriate mentor? There are no right or wrong answers here, but one can learn by examining career stories. An examination of my career story, moving from undergraduate and graduate studies, to working as a postdoctoral researcher and senior scientist in a national lab, to working in a pharmaceutical company, and now as a faculty member in a large academic institution reveals a simple answer – I was lucky. Perhaps my story can help others to be “lucky”.

Importance of finding and being a lifetime mentor for a career in science

ACS Fall 2021

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