Internal Medicine

Mentor-Mentee Agreement

Bridges Mentor-Mentee Agreement

Objective of the BRIDGES program: 

To advance the career development of post-doctoral scholars and early career faculty/academic investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups (URGs), who are conducting biomedical and behavioral research on nutrition, obesity, diabetes, and/or related conditions. The selected mentees will work with their primary and secondary mentors to advance their careers, including but not limited to, leadership/professional development, networking, research study design/rigor, laboratory management, grant writing, publishing, and effective communication at professional conferences.   

Expectations for both the mentor and the mentee: 

  • Approach the science and the mentoring relationship with enthusiasm, equity, and respect. 
  • Adhere to strong principles of responsible conduct of research ethics. 
  • Meet regularly (at least monthly) to discuss progress and challenges, including those with the BRIDGES pilot & feasibility (P & F) award project. 
  • Establish a timeline for the mentee to achieve key project-related milestones. 
  • Plan the presentation of findings at local, national, and/or international conferences and peer-reviewed publications, with the mentee in prominent authorship positions. 
  • Establish an agreement related to use of data toward establishing an independent career (i.e., what data can the mentee use for their own program of study going forward). 
  • Establish a conflict resolution plan. 

Expectations for the mentor: 

  • Together with the BRIDGES program, provide an organized program of study for the mentee in the context of nutrition, obesity, and diabetes research that includes key milestones toward independence.  The program will be tailored for each mentee with a focus on rigorous study design, ethics of data management, data sharing, communication skills, writing, and grant writing skills. 
  • Participate in mentor trainings focused on mentoring early career URG scientists, as provided by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER).  

Expectations for the mentee: 

  • Fully engage in research activities including associated training and certifications. 
  • Engage in professional development opportunities offered through your program of study and through the BRIDGES program
  • Publish research findings and submit applications for extramural funding.   
  • Have a communication plan in place with the mentor – i.e., let the mentor know what is and is not working in a timely manner. In addition, share your preferred method of communication.