Bioresource Research

New to mentoring?  We advise reading an article called “Ten Time—Saving Tips for Undergraduate Research Mentors” (Coker, J. S. and E. Davies, 2006, J. Natural Resources Life Sci Education 35: 110-112; available through OSU Library). Their advice is very appropriate for BRR advisors:

1. Design a simple project with clear goals.
2. Provide hands-on supervision.
3. Ensure good communication and explanations.
4. Involve students early.
5. Sign a student-mentor contract.
6. Maintain well-written protocols for all standard lab equipment/techniques.
7. Establish student research “communities”  (refers to training multiple students at once—this could include grad students).
8. Capitalize on inexperience (refers to enthusiasm, willingness to think outside the box, and computer literacy of incoming students).
9. Create a template computer file for student posters (BRR data presentation class, taken by students in their final year, can help with this; also, many such templates are available online).
10. Increase retention (the longer a student stays in your lab, the more productive the student will be and the better the experience will be for everyone).

For suggestions and help with mentoring, please feel free to consult with the BRR Director, Kate Field, and the CAS Assistant Dean, Cary Green.