Teaching

Broadly, I think it is important for an inclusive scientific environment to have 3 key features: an understanding of the strengths/weaknesses/background of lab members and a pathway to make sure that all necessary background is provided, clear communication of goals and decisions, and shared buy-in and development of research direction.

To help me understand my new mentees, I will plan to have a regular and structured literature review process during their time in the lab. I will have an initial set of papers that I consider foundational to the work of the lab, and as time goes on (maybe 6 months to a year in) I would expect them to drive the choice of papers. I would meet with them to discuss the papers. This is important for an inclusive environment because it would make sure that no matter their starting point, all the lab members have a solid and shared foundation to build on as they progress in their research. This would help me understand how they think and where their strengths and weaknesses lie so that we can fill any gaps. It would also give them an opportunity to develop their communication and presentation skills. Finally, it would make sure that as they develop, I am knowledgeable about the new fields and ideas they are exploring so that I can be a more effective mentor for them.

Next, I want to establish a pattern of written communication with my mentees as we meet. This will help make sure that we are on the same page for the takeaways, decisions, expectations, and deadlines we agreed to. It also serves as a reference in the future to track progress and to keep each other accountable. I believe that implementing this system will minimize the chances of miscommunication or misaligned expectations, which will help everyone to have clear goals to work towards.

Finally, I believe that a lab leader should not impose a research direction on a mentee. The research project definition should be a collaborative effort that combines the skills and interests of the mentee, with the resources and general research direction of the lab leader. When the mentee takes an active role in defining the research direction, it means that they will be more invested in terms of their personal interest and unique career aspirations, and will have to more deeply understand and justify the direction.