Mentoring

Scientists learn how to research not just by learning from those with more experience, but also by passing on their own knowledge and wisdom to those with less experience.

If the initial course sequence of the FRI is a model for students of the early stages of life as a research scientist, then the Peer Mentor Program is a model of how scientists, as they progress through their careers -- from graduate student to post-doc to professor and director of their own laboratory -- learn to incorporate mentoring and teaching into the research process.

Peer Mentors in the FRI have the opportunity to begin that process early, sharing what they've already learned about research with freshmen, many of whom are engaging in original research for the first time.

Peer Mentors are also:

• Paid an hourly wage
• Certified as a trained mentor
• Required to participate in their research stream's original research
  

The ideal mentor is a student who has engaged in research, and enjoys working with other students in groups. You should also want to help students to master basic lab skills and to adjust to the intellectual demands of research. In addition, you must:

• Be a UT student with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Be available to spend 10 hours per week mentoring FRI students.
• Complete training provided by the College of Natural Sciences Tutor and Mentor Academy

1. Complete an online application. On the application you will be asked to rank any research streams in which you would like to serve as a mentor.
2. Provide the contact information for a faculty member who has supervised you in research, and who will serve as a reference for you. 
3. You may be contacted by the faculty leading a stream for an interview.

Questions?  Contact Dr. Al MacKrell

Mentor training for Spring 2008 FRI Mentors will take place in early January between when dorms open and classes begin. Mentors who have not yet received training will be required to attend.