Prospective Mentors

The Mentorship Program partners with researchers from a broad range of fields to train the next generation of young researchers.  Over 100 mentors from around the Triangle and beyond volunteer every year to welcome students into their work environment, share their passion for their field of study, and enjoy the unique energy and curiosity that high school students bring. Our mentors provide students with an independent research project or integrate them into a part of their ongoing research, and in collaboration with the NCSSM instructional team, provide guidance and structure for students to develop transferable skills and communicate their research to different audiences. 

There is no cost for students or mentors to participate in the Mentorship program.  Mentors are responsible for providing the necessary materials and equipment for participating Mentorship students to complete their work.  Burroughs Wellcome Fund, NCSSM Foundation and NCSSM State funds provide funding for programmatic and instructional expertise and support as well as transportation to the mentors’ locations.

NCSSM-Durham is Seeking Mentors

• To expose students to the research environment in any field of interest from STEM to humanities (including in university, company, nonprofits work settings)

• To engage students in an ongoing or independent research project in person at your site culminating with student deliverables of written proposal, abstract, and oral and/or poster presentation to the NCSSM community

• To offer an experience that requires the application of knowledge and skills to address challenges in the world beyond the classroom

Program Timelines and Time Commitment

Mentors may choose the following timelines to offer research opportunities:

• Summer (M1):  Full-day experiences over 5 weeks in the summer (Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:00 in June/July) 

• Academic Year (M2):  Research opportunities from August to March on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:00 - 4:00 (6 hours/week for 20 weeks with a break from mid-December through January)

• Extended (M3):  Combination Summer and Academic year opportunities (5 weeks in the summer  + 20 weeks of Tuesday/Thursday afternoons from August to March)

Mentor Expectations and Requirements

1. Complete minor compliance process (required each year; institutional contacts listed below)

   • • Instructions for compliance are communicated to mentors starting in mid-April with required completion by May 31.

     • Compliance includes:   1) Annual Background Check  2) Protection of Minors Training  

       • • REQUIRED for the primary mentor interacting with the student virtually or in person

         • ALSO REQUIRED for all additional mentors who will interact with the student without the primary mentor present (virtually or in person)

It is strongly recommended to have more than one mentor with compliance as a back-up mentor in case the primary mentor is unavailable

1. • • Virtual conference meetings with NCSSM student must be accessible for observation by NCSSM staff (instructions below)

2.  Make sure mentee is prepared for their start date 

   • Setup a virtual meeting to connect with mentor (Be sure the primary day-to-day mentor is included in this initial meeting if possible) 

   • Request students complete compliance forms, safety or other required training, obtaining an ID card, library access, etc.

3. Ensure a clear timeline and research project for active student participation during the full length of the research experience

To be successful in the Mentorship Program and the course assignments, students will need an active role in a research project

3. • Project: Determine the ongoing or independent research project available for the student that is suitable for the program timeline.  Each mentor-mentee pair will be required to complete a mentor-mentee expectations agreement.

   • Role/Outcomes: Provide clarity to the student about their role in the project and the goals and specific outcomes of the project

   • Resources: Share relevant primary literature/publications/etc. to develop students’ knowledge and skills to understand and later communicate the project

   • Feedback: As part of NCSSM course assignments, students will communicate their research via a written proposal and via oral presentations (mentors are encouraged to provide feedback) 

Mentor Enrollment and Matching Process

Mentor Enrollment begins during Fall Semester, usually around October.   Starting in February of Spring Semester, new juniors in the Mentorship program participate in a professional development class called Foundations.  In this class, students prepare a personal statement and resume that the program director shares with potential mentors via e-mail.  Potential mentors determine whether they are interested in taking a student and have the option to interview student applicants before making a decision on whether to take a student.  Mentor enrollment continues until all students are matched.  Our programs offer a fantastic opportunity for members of your team to get experience in mentoring, a critical skill for their professional development. Team members, often graduate students and postdoctoral fellows commonly serve as mentors for NCSSM students. 

If you are interested in mentoring NCSSM Mentorship students, please complete the Mentor Enrollment Form for Mentorship (required each year)