The University of Texas at Austin

Peer Mentoring Program

Scientists learn how to research not just by learning from those with more experience, but also by passing on their own knowledge and wisdom to those with less experience.

If the initial course sequence of the FRI is a model for students of the early stages of life as a research scientist, then the Peer Mentor Program is a model of how scientists, as they progress through their careers -- from graduate student to post-doc to professor and director of their own laboratory -- learn to incorporate mentoring and teaching into the research process.

Peer Mentors in the FRI have the opportunity to begin that process early, sharing what they've already learned about research with freshmen, many of whom are engaging in original research for the first time.
Peer Mentors are also:

  • Paid an hourly wage
  • Certified as a trained mentor
  • Required to participate in their research stream's original research

Who can be a mentor?

The ideal mentor is a student who has engaged in research, and enjoys working with other students in groups. You should also want to help students to master basic lab skills and to adjust to the intellectual demands of research. In addition, you must:

  • Be a UT student with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
  • Be available to spend 10 hours per week mentoring FRI students.
  • Complete training provided by the College of Natural Sciences Tutor and Mentor Academy

How do I apply?

Spring 2012 Applications are available.  Please apply by November 9, 2012

  1. Compose a resume and post your resume on Science Works.  Resources for resume creation can be found on the CNS Career Design Center website here.
  2. After posting or updating your resume on Science Works, search for and apply to be a Peer Mentor in the Freshman Research Initiative.  (Job ID #2138).
  3. Within a week or so of submitting your application, you will receive an e-mail with a link to a short, supplementary application.

 

Questions?  Contact Dr. Al MacKrell

In order to serve as a Peer Mentor in the FRI you must attend training sessions offered by the CNS Peer Leader Academy.  An 8 hour training session consisting of CNS Peer Leader Academy basic training and FRI Specific Mentor training for Spring 2013 will be held on January 12, from 8:30 - 5:00 PM.