Mentees need to develop skills to effectively work with their mentors and navigate the research environment. Research mentee training is a proven, structured approach to help mentees develop these skills.
This training is led by local program directors (and others working with trainees) for undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty across STEMM disciplines.
NRMN offers evidence-based curricular resources designed to empower mentees at different career stages to excel in their research training experiences and engage in productive, mutually beneficial relationships with their research mentors.
The curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students, called Entering Research, introduces students to the culture of research and teaches them skills for successfully navigating their mentoring relationships. The curriculum for postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty integrates topics from Entering Research and Entering Mentoring to develop “mentoring up” skills. You can read more about the development of these training materials here.
These curricula address important topics and concepts in key areas of trainee development by creating learning communities and engaging trainees in activities, assignments, case studies, and facilitated discussions. Themes include:
- Research Communication & Comprehension Skills
- Practical Research Skills
- Research Ethics
- Researcher Identity
- Researcher Confidence & Independence
- Equity & Inclusion Awareness & Skills
- Professional & Career Development Skills
- Mentoring Skills (for advanced graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty)
