UROP Project Proposal Portal 2026: Submission #1370

Mentoring Philosophy I believe mentoring is, first and foremost, about the person. It goes beyond just teaching skills or techniques (though that is important); it is characterized by an investment in the mentee’s life and well-being. I’ve been very lucky to have had warm and supportive mentors in my life – both in my professional training as a therapist, as well as in my education as a researcher. For me, the best mentors were the ones who would not only teach me, but ask about my life, my concerns, and so on. As is often said, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
My mentoring style is typically characterized by warmth and positivity, but with clear directness when it comes to feedback. I want those I mentor to feel supported while they learn and grow professionally. Growth requires feedback, but that feedback can be hard to implement if it’s vague and sugarcoated, or conversely, if it’s harsh and overly critical. As such, my mentees can expect feedback that is clear, direct, and kind.
As a mentor, I expect my mentees to be responsible, timely, and honest. This is especially important in a research capacity, where dishonesty or corner-cutting is unethical, and has significant consequences for both the researchers and the public. If it is discovered that mentees are lying or being dishonest in any way, the mentee-mentor relationship will not be able to continue, and other measures may need to be taken.