Building Diverse Mentoring Networks that Transcend Boundaries in Cancer Research

Termini, Christina M.; Hinton, Antentor; Garza-López, Edgar; Koomoa, Dana-Lynn T.; Davis, Jamaine; Martínez-Montemayor, Michelle M.

doi:10.1016/j.trecan.2021.01.001

Cited by 35 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…However, the postdocs in our study point out that mentoring outcomes from these barriers can be mitigated. In addition to policy changes, building a network of mentors will provide postdocs with more than just one primary resource for career and professional development [48, 49]. As noted by others, training for both postdocs and mentors (in the context of mentor training) will help with positive outcomes [50].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing structural mentoring barriers in postdoctoral training: A qualitative study

Lambert

Nana

Afonja

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background: Structural mentoring barriers are policies, practices, and cultural norms that collectively disadvantage marginalized groups and perpetuate disparities in mentoring. While these mentoring barriers can be found early in the training pathway, failure to address or overcome these barriers at the postdoctoral training stage has a direct impact on faculty diversity and national efforts to retain underrepresented groups in research careers. Methods: To better understand the mentoring barriers faced by postdoctoral trainees, and possible ways to address them, a diverse sample of postdoctoral scholars ("postdocs") from across the United States were asked to participate in focus groups to discuss their training experiences. We conducted five 90-minute focus groups with 32 biomedical postdocs, including 20 (63%) women and 15 (47%) individuals from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (URG). Participants were well-represented across years of training, and 65% were at least somewhat likely to pursue a research-intensive faculty career, similar to previously reported national averages. Results: A social ecological framework was used to examine both the upstream and downstream manifestations of structural mentoring barriers, as well as mentor barriers, overall. Themes were categorized on four broad levels: Individual (attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, or behaviors that inform mentoring barriers), Interpersonal (mentoring barriers arising from dyadic, peer, or network relationships), Institutional (departmental, institutional, organizational mentoring barriers), or Systemic (mentoring barriers originating from policies or broad social and cultural norms). Notable structural barriers included (1) academic politics and scientific hierarchy, (2) inequalities resulting from mentor prestige, (3) the (over) reliance on one mentor, (4) the lack of formal training for academic and non-academic careers, and (5) the lack of institutional diversity and institutional mentor training. These structural barriers foster mentoring practices and behaviors that lead to poor work-life balance, poor communication, and research career attrition. To overcome these barriers, postdocs strongly encouraged developing a network or team of mentors and recommended institutional interventions that create more comprehensive professional development, mentorship, and belonging. Conclusions: For postdoctoral scientists, structural mentoring barriers can permeate down to institutional, interpersonal, and individual levels, impeding a successful transition to an independent research career. It has become clear that large-scale changes in mentoring must come from addressing the policies, practices, and cultural norms that perpetuate poor mentoring. This work provides strong evidence for promoting mentorship networks and cultivating a "mentoring milieu" that fosters a supportive community and a strong culture of mentorship at all levels.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing structural mentoring barriers in postdoctoral training: A qualitative study

Lambert

Nana

Afonja

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…They can be from other institutions or organizations. Postdocs who do not have much confidence may need this nurturing relationship to feel that they can be independent and are ready to leave a laboratory [2][3][4] (Figure 1).…”

Section: Critical Hacks Unlockedmentioning

confidence: 99%

The postdoctoral blueprint part one: creating a niche

Murray

Garza-López²,

Hinton³

2022

Trends in Cell Biology

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“…Lastly, we believe that mentors who create a safe environment for their mentees to thrive promote allyship (Termini et al . 2021a ) and decrease bias (Marshall et al . 2021 ).…”

Section: Mentoring Gone Wrong—awfulization Demoralization and Burnoutmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intentional mentoring: maximizing the impact of underrepresented future scientists in the 21st century

Shuler

Cazares

Marshall

et al. 2021

Pathogens and Disease

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Mentoring is a developmental experience intended to increase the willingness to learn and establish credibility while building positive relationships through networking. In this commentary, we focus on intentional mentoring for underrepresented mentees, including individuals that belong to minority racial, ethnic, and gender identity groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields. Intentional mentoring is the superpower action necessary for developing harmony and comprehending the purpose and value of the mentor/mentee relationship. Regardless of a mentor's career stage, we believe the strategies discussed may be used to create a supportive and constructive mentorship environment; thereby improving the retention rates of underrepresented mentees within the scientific community.

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Building Diverse Mentoring Networks that Transcend Boundaries in Cancer Research

Cited by 35 publications

References 14 publications

Addressing structural mentoring barriers in postdoctoral training: A qualitative study

Addressing structural mentoring barriers in postdoctoral training: A qualitative study

The postdoctoral blueprint part one: creating a niche

Intentional mentoring: maximizing the impact of underrepresented future scientists in the 21st century

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