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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.08.18.553806

Graduate student mentorship as a target for diversifying the biological sciences

Debray, R.·Dewald-Wang, E. A.·Ennis, K.
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Abstract

Despite the importance of a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in biological research, women, racial and ethnic minorities, and students from non-traditional academic backgrounds remain underrepresented in the composition of university faculty. Through a study on doctoral students at a research-intensive university, we pinpoint advising from faculty as a critical component of graduate student experiences and productivity. Graduate students from minority backgrounds reported lower levels of support from their advisors and research groups. However, working with an advisor from a similar demographic background substantially improved productivity and well-being of these students. Several other aspects of mentoring practices positively predicted student success and belonging, including frequent one-on-one meetings, empathetic and constructive feedback, and relationships with other peer or faculty mentors. Our study highlights the need to renovate graduate education with a focus on retention - not just recruitment - to best prepare students for success in scientific careers.

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Debray, R., Dewald-Wang, E. A., Ennis, K.. 2023-08-19. Graduate student mentorship as a target for diversifying the biological sciences. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.18.553806

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