Here’s something positive to end the week!
As a proud Tulane University alum, I had the opportunity to mentor an international student at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. That experience reinforced for me the importance of mentoring in creating meaningful connections that extend beyond coursework or research. My mentee was a true joy to be around, and I have deeply missed our time together since she returned home to China.
We were even chosen to be jointly interviewed to market the mentoring program! Check out the interview here (and our smiling faces in the photo below):
Mentoring matters because it humanizes science and strengthens relationships that make discovery possible.
Mentoring also plays a critical role in strengthening the sciences by building the social infrastructure that supports learning, belonging, and professional growth. Research shows that mentoring delivers a strong return on investment—approximately $3 for every $1 spent—by fostering talent development, retention, and more inclusive scientific communities.
Stories like these highlight the lasting impact of mentorship across borders and disciplines:
Why Mentoring Matters
AAAS Reports Mentoring Boosts Student Success
Want to get involved in mentoring in (and for) science? Check out…
AAAS Mentoring Resources
Nominate someone for an AAAS mentoring award!
Online tool for mentees to find and make the most of a mentor.
Invest in mentoring—because strong science depends on strong people 😎
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Paula Buchanan, ScD, MBA, MPH, CPH
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