Biophysical Society Newsletter | November 2017

16

2017

BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER

Molly Cule

Remember, you are in charge of your future. You must be transparent, honest, and direct in your communication with your advisors and mentors about your position and how they can help you succeed. You are ultimately responsible for your own development, so make sure you surround yourself with trusted mentors who will provide the support and guidance you need for success. There are a number of resources for scientific mentors and mentees that cover every stage of a career and are freely available from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, AAAS, the National Academy of Sciences, Nature , and Science . Take advantage of the re- sources available to you to help create a productive relationship. — Molly Cule

Creating a Productive Mentor-Mentee Relationship Scientific and emotional mentorship is a criti- cal part of career development and professional success. Therefore, creating a productive mentor- mentee relationship is an important part of your career development plan that deserves discussion. In the best of cases, mentor-mentee relationships organically develop in a positive direction as you grow your career in a successful training environ- ment. However, there is the alternative situation when mentor-mentee relationships are less than organic, or sour as time goes on for various rea- sons. These difficulties can complicate interactions with your mentor and put you in the position to look elsewhere for guidance and mentorship — a process that will require your vision and explora- tion. There are many cases where mentees need to mix and match internal mentorship (sound and trusted advisors within your department, university, or place of employment) with external mentorship (sound and trusted advisors outside your place of work). If you end up with a mix of mentors, don’t feel like a disappointment to your- self, your training program, or your employment team — rather, just embrace the opportunity to communicate with multiple people who can help you succeed. Sometimes, these additional mentors can help you resolve communication issues with your advisor or mentor, and can offer you extra support to help you accomplish your goals.

Annual Art of Science Image Contest Opens

Entries are due December 1, 2017.

Do you have an eye-catching image that resulted from your research? To showcase the artistic side of scientific imaging, BPS members attending the 2017 Annual Meeting may enter the annual BPS image contest, The Art of Science. Monetary prizes will be awarded for 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd place.

Members in the News

David Warshaw , University of Vermont College of Medi- cine, and Society member since 1979, was awarded the 2017 UVM Medical Alumni Association's Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award. For additional members in the news, see the article on page 9.

Submit Today at biophysics.org/2018meeting