The Value of Mentorship
Each year, VCU Massey supports hundreds of students and trainees through our Cancer Research Training and Education (CRTEC) programs. Behind every participant is a dedicated network of cancer experts, including our leading laboratory-based scientists, physician-scientists and clinicians who provide hands-on guidance needed for students and trainees to excel in oncology-focused careers.
A mentor can have a profound, lifelong impact on a student or trainee by providing insight, encouragement and practical knowledge that goes beyond what they may learn in a classroom or formal training program.
VCU Massey’s CRTEC programs rely on mentors throughout the year to partner with students and trainees across all learner levels from high school through to early-stage careers.
Meaningful Impact
I love working with students because they are so excited and passionate and they have to pack research into such a short amount of time. They are learning everything new that they show you and they are so excited.
-Victoria Findlay, Ph.D.
Co-leader, Massey Cancer Prevention and Control research program
CURE, CHiSEL and Popp mentor
Mentorship Training Opportunities
Being a mentor is a rewarding opportunity to invest in the success of others, gain new perspectives, give back to the profession, strengthen the academic community and grow as a leader while making a lasting professional impact.
VCU Massey investigators are eligible for Advanced Research Mentoring training from VCU School of Medicine’s Office of Faculty Development which is based on the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER), an evidence-based research mentor training. VCU faculty, many of whom lead their own research groups, facilitate these sessions as CIMER trained facilitators. These sessions provide evidence-based practices and techniques for research faculty to grow and hone their mentoring skills. The program consists of two levels, and faculty can earn credentials for successful completion of each level. VCU Massey CRTEC mentors are required to complete Advanced Research Mentoring: Level 1 (ARM 1).
Interested in mentoring a student or trainee at Massey? Contact the Office of CRTEC at MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu.
Mentor Responsibilities
As a mentor, your role is to guide and support your student or trainee in their chosen CRTEC program and to help them learn about the cancer research process and biomedical sciences. Mentors don’t need to have all the answers, but should be approachable, engaged and supportive.
A VCU Massey mentor typically does the following:
- Provides context about their role, team and the work environment at VCU Massey and VCU
- Serves as a resource for questions and career exploration; sets clear expectations and goals for working on their team
- Encourages professional development and independence
- Helps their student or trainee build skills and confidence
- Fosters a positive and inclusive learning environment
- Ensures compliance with VCU policies and safety standards
In addition to program-specific requirements, mentors must be able to commit to:
- Weekly 1:1 check-ins with your student or trainee; informal touchpoints as needed
- Time to review work and provide feedback