The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM

Mentorship is a catalyst capable of unleashing one's potential for discovery, curiosity, and participation in STEMM and subsequently improving the training environment in which that STEMM potential is fostered. Mentoring relationships provide developmental spaces in which students' STEMM skills are honed and pathways into STEMM fields can be discovered. Because mentorship can be so influential in shaping the future STEMM workforce, its occurrence should not be left to chance or idiosyncratic implementation. There is a gap between what we know about effective mentoring and how it is practiced in higher education. The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM studies mentoring programs and practices at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It explores the importance of mentorship, the science of mentoring relationships, mentorship of underrepresented students in STEMM, mentorship structures and behaviors, and institutional cultures that support mentorship. This report and its complementary interactive guide present insights on effective programs and practices that can be adopted and adapted by institutions, departments, and individual faculty members. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction: Why Does Mentoring Matter? 2 The Science of Mentoring Relationships: What Is Mentorship? 3 Mentoring Underrepresented Students in STEMM: Why Do Identities Matter? 4 Mentorship Structures: What Forms Does Mentorship Take? 5 Mentorship Behaviors and Education: How Can Effective Mentorship Develop? 6 Assessment and Evaluation: What Can Be Measured in Mentorship, and How? 7 Individuals, Relationships, and Institutional Responsibility: How Can Institutional Culture Better Support Mentorship? 8 Findings and Recommendations References Appendix A: Glossary Appendix B: A Selection of STEMM Intervention Programs that Include Mentoring Experiences Appendix C: Listening Sessions and Workshops Information Appendix D: Committee and Staff Biographies