Pathway 3

TIERED MENTORSHIP PIPELINE TO BROADEN STEM RESEARCH

P3 will establish a new mentoring framework for students and university faculty members in all areas of HDRFS research and professional networking with industry and private-sector organizations.

Mentoring is a high impact strategy for promoting success beyond college and into the workforce. Quality mentoring positively impacts academic and career success. Specifically, positive mentoring experiences have been linked to increased productivity, career satisfaction, and research success of trainees. For individuals currently underrepresented in STEM areas, strong mentorship has been shown to increase recruitment, retention, and persistence in science careers. This is true for students and faculty alike.

Students and faculty at various levels will participate in HDRFS E-WFD events, as a cohort, to foster communities of practice (CoP). Activities include networking events, integrative research opportunities, and professional development workshops.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)

UROP is a key program in the mentorship pipeline because research experiences significantly increase students’ interest in STEM careers and the likelihood of pursuing graduate studies. The undergraduate research projects are developed by students, selected through a merit review process, and contribute to research dissemination. Application Writing Workshops are hosted in partnership with campus Writing Centers and Offices of Undergraduate Research to help students prepare applications and pair with potential faculty mentors. UROP scholars engaged in HDRFS-related research have the opportunity to connect with peers and project graduate assistants, supporting the mentorship pipeline.

The Nevada STEM Mentor Network is a one-stop online resource that provides access to Nevada’s finest mentors and premier research projects and opportunities in the STEM fields. We are committed to helping connect students and faculty to research opportunities statewide.

Learn more about UROP

Nevada STEM Mentor Network

GRA Professional Development and Collaboration

HDRFS graduate students participate in collaborative sessions, addressing professional development topics, mentorship best practices, and research integration. Areas of training include publication and grant writing as well as post-degree planning. GRAs also have access to student travel and publication funds to encourage research dissemination (publications/presentations) and participation in national conferences.

Travel and Publication Support

Postdoctoral Fellows

Training and career development for HDRFS postdocs is provided to enhance research experiences and training and create a sense of community. Professional development programs, along with research and networking events, and mentorship, will be a collaborative effort between the project and NSHE Graduate Colleges.

Mentor Institutes

Every Spring, Nevada EPSCoR hosts an interactive, in-person mentor training for NSHE research faculty of all career levels, who mentor others, particularly in STEM research. The Mentor Institutes provide a forum for NSHE faculty, administration and students to gain the tools and resources needed for effective research mentorship. Institutes also open the door for sharing and cross collaboration to support students and faculty in their research endeavors and professional development.

NSHE Mentor Institutes

Faciliatator Steve Lee (Stanford University) leading group discussion during the 2023 NSHE Mentoring Institute: Practical Strategies for Inclusive Mentoring in Undergraduate Research held in Las Vegas, NV on April 27, 2023. Photo by Michele Casella.