PhD students who apply to become Graduate Mentorship Fellows in the Rising Researchers Program gain valuable professional development and leadership experience that supports their growth in both academic and industry careers. Fellows receive formal training in mentorship, communication, and supervision, and put these skills into practice by guiding undergraduate researchers through collaborative projects. They also join a supportive learning community of peers and experienced mentors, where they exchange ideas and best practices. In addition, Fellows receive $1,000 per term in professional development support to fund research supplies, travel, or conference participation—providing direct support for their academic and career advancement.

To learn more, please visit the Rising Researchers Program website.

Commitment:

Fall 2025: Mentorship Development

Required Workshops
10/10/2025  12:30 - 2:00      399 Tang    Program Kick-off & Inclusive Mentorship
10/17/2025  12:30 - 2:00      106 Upson  Lounge  Designing and Scoping an Undergraduate Research Project
10/24/2025  12:30 - 2:00      399 Tang    Expectations, Goals, & Accountability 
11/7/2025   12:30 - 2:00      431 Upson  Cultivating an Effective Feedback Culture
11/14/2025  12:30 - 2:00      399 Tang    Equitable and Effective Recruitment and Selection of Undergrad Researchers  
12/5/2025   12:30 - 2:30      Tang 399    Tricky Mentoring Situations & Difficult Conversations

•  On one weekend afternoon in October, offer lab tours to undergrads interested in research
• Participate in process of recruiting and selecting an undergraduate researcher to work with you in Spring-

Summer 2026

Spring 2026: Mentoring in Practice
In person mentoring of an undergraduate researcher 
Participation in the Graduate Fellows Mentoring Learning Community, twice monthly (scheduled TBD)

Summer 2026: Mentoring in Practice
In person mentoring of an undergraduate researcher (student will be working 35 hours per week for 8 weeks)Participation in the Graduate Fellows Mentoring Learning Community, twice monthly (scheduled TBD)