Mentoring Philosophy I have been a student in higher education for nine years now, and have had wonderful mentorship experiences, and some not-so-wonderful experiences! I use these experiences and my desire for an equitable and asset-based research lab to build my mentoring philosophy. My top priority for your mentorship experience is to impact your learning- whether that is learning of content or learning about your academic interests and disinterests. I do this through an approach in which I delegate tasks that interest you and speak to your existing talents and skills. I encourage input and communication from all in the team, regardless of your "expertise" in the subject area, as I believe that everyone has unique contributions to make to the project. I value respect, honesty, inclusion, and flexibility. I support all your interests and commitments, and will hold you up to high expectations to push you towards excellence. I expect transparent and constant communication so that I can be compassionate towards all that life hands you. I also take a stance of mentorship that expands past this research study-- I am here as a resource and support system for all your academic, and even personal, endeavors.