Tips for Successful Mentoring

The following tips are based on findings from the Learning through Evaluation, Adaptation, and Dissemination (LEAD) Center, which has evaluated the NSF DREU program (formerly DMP) since 1994.

The LEAD evaluators identified three key elements that contribute to a successful mentoring experience:

• Engaged Mentorship: A mentor who takes an active interest in the student’s well-being and provides regular feedback on their progress.
• Meaningful Research Projects: A research project that is both challenging and valued by the mentor’s team.
• Immersion in a Research Environment: Opportunities for the student to interact with graduate students and participate in day-to-day research activities.

Preparing for the Student’s Arrival

Since the program lasts only ten weeks, mentors are encouraged to take steps that minimize startup time. Here are some suggestions:

• Contact the Student Before the Program Starts:
  • Reach out to discuss the proposed project, assess the student’s background, and learn more about their research interests.
  • This helps you determine if the project is feasible and make any necessary adjustments.
  • You can also recommend readings or activities to help the student prepare before they arrive.

• Facilitate Access to University Services:
  • Arrange for necessary accounts, office space, and student ID cards before the program begins.
  • Consider locating the student’s desk near yours or with your graduate students to foster team involvement.

• Assist with Housing:
  • Help the student explore on-campus housing options or find summer sublets.
  • Many DREU students prefer staying on campus, especially if they don’t have a car, so early assistance with housing logistics can be essential.

Providing Guidance During the Program

Most DREU students have limited research experience and are looking to gain insights into both research and graduate school. As a mentor, you can help them succeed by:

• Defining Expectations Early On:

• • Clarify the goals of the research project and establish expectations for mentor-student interactions.
  • Set a schedule for regular meetings or determine if communication will occur on a more informal, as-needed basis.
  • Provide clear instructions on where to seek help when day-to-day questions arise, such as whether to reach out to a graduate student or contact you directly.

Tip: If a graduate student will assist in mentoring, it’s helpful to discuss these expectations with both the student and the graduate mentor.

• Offering Feedback and Tracking Progress:

• • Since many students are new to research, they may need help evaluating their progress.
  • Provide feedback regularly, and discuss what they should aim to accomplish by the end of the program. This gives students a clear framework for assessing their performance and identifying areas for improvement.

• Evaluating the Project’s Fit for the Student:

• • While students enjoy independent work, their comfort level with unstructured research depends on their background and technical skills.
  • Early in the program, assess the student’s knowledge and interests. This can help you tailor the project and determine how much guidance the student will need to build confidence and independence.
  • Some mentors prepare multiple project options, giving students the opportunity to choose a project that aligns with their interests.

• Involving Students in the Research Community:

• • Students benefit from feeling like a part of the research team.
  • Encourage them to interact with graduate students and participate in meetings and group activities. These interactions offer valuable insights into graduate life and help foster a sense of belonging in the research community.

These tips are designed to help both mentors and students have a rewarding and successful DREU experience. For further questions or additional support, contact dreu@cra.org.