Mentorship Opportunities
Mentoring makes a difference and is a critical component of career development and training at DF/HCC. The Initiative to Eliminate Cancer Disparities (IECD) provides and facilitates opportunities for mentoring.
Consider being a mentor for aspiring young scientists through one of our student training programs, which introduce high school and college students from underrepresented populations to the world of cancer research by placing them in real research settings at DF/HCC cancer research institutions. Our flagship program, the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE), has provided training opportunities since 2002, and we have since added two additional program offerings (YES for CURE and SPARC). Each summer we support on average 100 students and we are always in need of willing and enthusiastic mentors to join our community.
Benefits of Mentorship
Training in Mentorship. To support our community of mentors, we offer evidence-based training for mentors working with undergraduates and high school students on short-term research projects across the DF/HCC Community. The curriculum is based on the Entering Mentoring series from the Center for Improvement of Mentored Research Experiences (CIMER) and consists of monthly sessions that will include, but are not limited to, training in the following areas:
- Aligning expectations and maintaining effective communication
- Addressing equity and inclusion
- Assessing understanding
- Short-term research project design and implementation
Make a Difference. Research shows that positive mentorship and mentoring relationships are integral in fostering the development of scientific identity and ensuring retention of the future generation of scientists in the biomedical pipeline– especially for students underrepresented in the sciences. Your guidance, mentorship, and ability to serve as role models make a remarkable and impactful difference in the lives of young scholars.
Career Development and Learning Opportunity. The practice of mentoring makes us better mentors. Capitalizing on opportunities to develop and hone our mentorship philosophies, approaches, and styles empowers us to become better mentors and support the next generation of scientists and researchers. This is not only is this an opportunity for you to make a difference in your mentee’s life; it is also an opportunity for you to invest in your own mentorship practice as well!
If you are interested in mentoring with us, please contact us at iecd@partners.org for more information.