Developing strong independent researchers in health disparities is the goal of the MHERC Mentors Bureau, which recruits faculty investigators to provide guidance to those interested in advancing health equality. 

The MHERC Mentors Bureau represents faculty investigators from UAB and partnering institutions who are matched with undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty in MHERC's training programs.  

The mentoring relationship is beneficial to both mentors and mentees. Mentees gain insights from the experience of their mentors, enhance their knowledge, hone their scientific and technical skills, and learn about grant development and manuscript preparation. Mentors have in their mentees a valuable resource for carrying out research projects and preparing manuscripts for publication.

Mentoring Benefits

• Mentors have the opportunity to share their research experience with their mentees.
• Mentees may be a valuable resource in assisting mentors with the implementation of research projects or with the preparation of a manuscript for publication.
• In some training programs, mentees may be able to submit a budget for a research stipend, which may include research or lab supplies for the mentor’s research project if the trainee assists.
• Mentoring may meet requirements for service for many faculty.
• The mentoring relationship may lead to future research of mutual benefit or may initiate long-term collaborations as mentees become stronger candidates for grant funding as independent investigators.

Mentor & Mentee Responsibilities

Mentor 

• Meeting and communicating with mentees on a regular basis to share expertise;
• Guiding mentees on research projects, grant development, and manuscript preparation,
• Providing advice on career development,
• Reviewing mentees' progress reports;
• Completing mentee evaluations as needed.

Mentee

• Conduct research in an ethical and responsible manner expected of faculty members;
• Maintain satisfactory progress and participation in the training program according to the established timeline and as suggested by the mentor;
• Schedule regular meetings with the mentor and follow through with communication and plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

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You may apply to be a mentor by contacting the UAB MHERC Training Program Director, Ann Smith annsmith@uabmc.edu (205) 934-9903.