The Committee on Diversity Initiatives (CDI) is seeking volunteers interested in becoming mentors for the 2017 Undergraduate Diversity Program held March 11‒13, 2017, in conjunction with the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting. Host mentors and peer mentors are the important connectors for the undergraduate students who have been selected to receive travel funding and participate in this program. The goal of the program is to recruit students from diverse backgrounds to graduate school in the biomedical sciences, especially toxicology.
Volunteers interested in participating as Mentors and/or Topic Guides are encouraged to complete the brief application form to indicate their interest and availability before January 6. There are a limited number of mentor and guide positions available; those who volunteer will be notified in mid January of the outcome.
In addition to attending meeting sessions, participants in the Undergraduate Diversity Program engage in presentations and case studies across the breadth of toxicology, gain knowledge about education and career opportunities in the field, and learn more about the requirements for graduate school and a research career. By establishing relationships with the students in their groups, the program participants can explore questions not only about toxicology but also about what careers in this field are like and how to succeed. Mentors serve with a group from Saturday evening through Monday.
We also are recruiting mentors for groups of students who participate on Sunday only. Sunday mentors are paired with a group of about five undergraduates who registered for the Sunday only Undergraduate Education Program.
Topic guides will be recruited for Monday afternoon to lead the Undergraduate Diversity Program participants by visiting scientific sessions and posters in particular topic areas. Each guide will facilitate a group of about five students from 1:00 pm to 3:15 pm.
To support those who are committing to these important roles, the CDI will hold a Mentor Orientation meeting webinar in early February that will review mentoring information, tips, and help you connect with your group of students in advance to get acquainted and discuss your Annual Meeting activities.
Questions? Contact Rachel Woodson at SOT Headquarters.
The Committee on Diversity Initiatives thanks you for your commitment and interest in mentoring the next generation of scientists.