Online Mentoring Through MentorNet.net

Kristin L. Gosselink, Ph.D.
University of Texas at El Paso

Mentoring is a critical component in the successful professional development of young scientists. Learning how to successfully navigate different educational and career stages, with the help and support of those experienced in these processes, allows these individuals to become productive and happy teachers, researchers and members of the scientific community. MentorNet.net provides a mechanism through which one-on-one mentoring of students and junior faculty is available, with a particular focus on the retention and success of women and others typically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. MentorNet President and CEO, Dr. David Porush, is committed to facilitating relationships that will help to “unleash all the talent in these critical disciplines and enable it to flourish.”

Specifically, MentorNet seeks to link experienced professionals in science and engineering with young professionals at the community college, undergraduate, graduate student, post-doctoral or untenured faculty level. The principle method of communication is through email, such that mentor-mentee relationships can develop and be fostered regardless of geographical or time differences. Potential mentors and protégés both complete an online profile form, in which they describe their interests and needs. Mentors are able to identify desired mentee characteristics for matching, and mentees are able to specify areas in which they require assistance and support. Other offerings at MentorNet include: 1) an E-Forum for discussion of items such as issues related to graduate school, work-life balance or diversity in STEM; 2) a resume database for trainees who are seeking jobs or internships; and 3) resources in support of mentoring, diversity and STEM career development and success. In addition, the profile generator used for matching mentees with mentors may also serve as a networking tool within the MentorNet system.

The MentorNet program has contributed in a substantial and positive way to diversity in STEM fields, and has enhanced the success of scientists in these areas. Endorsements from previous protégés highlight the increases in knowledge, understanding and confidence that have resulted from their participation in this program. One APS mentee noted “everyone undergoes difficult times during transition phases of one's career, and the key to success is persistence, dedication and the immense support in all aspects of personal, professional and academic issues.” Personal experiences appear to vary, however, at least partly as a function of academic field. Colleagues of mine in Geology, for example, speak very highly of the program and have established long-term and successful relationships with their mentors and mentees. Neuroscience mentors, in contrast, have been disappointed by matchings with mentees in different and, often, unrelated fields. A number of APS members currently participate in this program and efforts are underway to increase the roster of available physiology mentors. In fact, the APS has become a MentorNet partner, through which APS trainee members may participate as protégés and APS members and physiologists may participate as mentors. It should also be noted that MentorNet continually seeks additional mentors in specified areas of need, and posts these requests on their homepage. There is currently a need for more mentors in the biological sciences area.

As for my own personal experience with the MentorNet program, I have observed many strengths and a few weaknesses but will reserve judgment for the time being. I joined as a mentor in April of 2009 and was matched with a mentee within two weeks. After immediately introducing myself, I received a reply from my new protégé within 5 days. While not in my immediate area of arguable expertise (he is cardiovascular and I am neuroendocrine), my mentee did fit my requested profile quite closely. Our communications have been few, to date, owing primarily to his pre-defense schedule and a significant time zone difference (he is in China and I am in Texas), but we have been clear in our timelines and I anticipate that our interactions will soon become more consistent. I find that using email allows me to respond thoughtfully to my mentee’s questions, and in my own time. Shortly after being matched with my mentee, I myself joined the MentorNet program as an Assistant Professor and potential mentee; I have yet to be matched in this capacity, three months down the road.

In my short time as a MentorNet participant, I have been impressed with the input and feedback I have received from the program. Upon my initial match, an email was sent which contained suggestions on how to establish a relationship with my new mentee, and resources to aid further in this task. Within the month, I was presented with a potential topic for discussion, and similar messages have been provided every ten days since. The topics have included networking and time management, creating CVs and presentations, research issues, diversity, and other aspects of career development at all stages. Through these efforts, MentorNet fosters each mentor-mentee relationship and provides a non-threatening basis for communication as new mentees begin to seek assistance in their career development.

In summary, the MentorNet construct and purpose go a long way toward enhancing the success of individuals in the early stages of their STEM careers, especially women and members of underrepresented groups. Limitations to the program include less than ideal matching of mentors and mentees, in some cases, and the small number of available mentors in certain disciplines. The strengths of this program, however, may far outweigh the weaknesses and include its mission and goals, strong internal program support and available resources, and the ease in establishing and maintaining communication between participants. The Women in Physiology Committee and APS strongly encourage all regular members to sign up as mentors and all trainees to register as protégés. For more information or to sign up, please go to www.mentornet.net or www.the-aps.org/careers/careers1/mentor/guide.htm.
 

COMMENTS:

I recently completed a match with a protégé and am currently in my second match. The suggested discussion topics they provide are almost always useful at stimulating a conversation between the mentor and mentee. These matches have been great experiences as a mentor. However, as a relatively new assistant professor I too signed up to be a mentee but have yet to be matched with a mentor.
Karen L. Sweazea
Arizona State University

As we discussed so many times in our Careers Symposium, networking and finding a good mentor are ‘key’ to finding success in the sciences. I signed up as a Mentee with the Women in Physiology’s first program and thoroughly enjoyed meeting with my mentor at EB.
Nansie A. McHugh
Huntingdon Life Sciences

MentorNet also offers the opportunity for "second opinion" mentoring. In the course of a scientific career, we often must make choices in which the alternatives differ in subtle or ambiguous ways. Institutional politics may also complicate an issue. It is sometimes helpful to hear the advice of a more senior scientist who is external to the problem or institution.
Thomas Pressley
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Thanks to Kristin for this very interesting article, and thanks to APS for providing all of its members the benefit of joining MentorNet! I believe that all scientists (regardless of career level) would benefit from having a formal or informal mentor who can serve as a part of a support network. As a new Assistant Professor in Psychology, I have recently signed up to be a protégé on MentorNet, and I am awaiting a mentor. I was very impressed with the user-friendly, streamlined application process on the MentorNet website. I have signed up for the program because I am interested in learning about others' experiences in science and academia. I think the MentorNet program is a great way to get in touch with someone who I may not otherwise have had a chance to meet.
Angela Grippo
Northern Illinois University

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