Research Mentor Guide

The ideal underlying FIRST is to train the next generation of professors, especially those from under-represented groups, for a career in academia.  Fellows will enter their professions with added value by being better prepared teachers, bringing a deeper experience and appreciation of science education that has been integrated with their specific research interests. Research Mentors are vital to FIRST and its mission.

FIRST Research Mentors have been selected by the Director and are listed on the FIRST website.  These mentors are exemplars of research and mentoring excellence.  Their research projects and areas of expertise vary and lie within the various Basic Science Departments in the School of Medicine, School of Public Health, and the College.

Fellows who do not find a Research Mentor matching their particular area of interest, may choose a Mentor not on the list.  This alternate selection process is only recommended on a case-by-case basis and should be done in close consultation with program directors.

Matching FIRST fellows and Research Mentors is based on:

• Personal comfort level between fellow and mentor;
• A clear understanding of a proposed research project for the fellow;
• Adequate laboratory funding provided by the Mentor;
• Adequate desk and lab space provided for the fellow to perform at their required level of proficiency.

In addition to the usual expectations of any successful mentoring relationship, FIRST mentors are specifically expected to:

• At the onset, clearly state the Specific Aims of any proposed research projects;
• Monitor the fellow’s research experience regularly (i.e. weekly) to discuss the results of experiments and plans for next steps;
• Evaluate the fellow’s research and general progress periodically;
• Support the 15% of the fellow’s time spent in teaching-related activities.
• Complete formal FIRST evaluation forms annually. 

Research and Teaching Mentors are also invited to join the fellows at the annual meeting of the IRACDA programs along with the other 15 similar NIH-sponsored programs.

Fellows should keep Research Mentors updated on their teaching schedules and activities.  Otherwise, in general, expectations of fellows in the research laboratory are the same as those expected of fellows on an NIH sponsored National Research Service Award (NRSA).  Specifically, these include:

• Fellows should attend all lab meetings.
• Fellows should plan, execute and record their experiments and write them up for publication-revisions and rewrites to be done with their mentor.
• Fellows should attend relevant journal clubs and seminar series.
• Fellows are expected to follow standard laboratory protocol regarding space, equipment, clean-up, etc. and will do their share of routine Laboratory work.
• Fellows must comply with the University and government's rules on the use of animals, radioactive isotopes and the non-use of illegal drugs.

The FIRST fellowship is for 4 years; the initial year is paid by the research mentor, and the three following years by the program.  The annual amount of each stipend is based on the recommended stipend levels for National Research Service Awards (NRSA).  In addition, fellows are be eligible for the benefits package offered to all Emory employees.  Depending on NIH funds provided, there is an allotment per fellow for travel expenses to scientific meetings and for fellows to spend on research and teaching-related materials.  The monetary allotment should be spent by July 31st each year.

We appreciate your interest in the FIRST Program. Your expertise will help to sustain the foundation of the program. FIRST continues to have tremendous impact on our fellows and we appreciate your willingness to share skills and knowledge.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Complete the online FIRST Research Mentor Application Form

2. Complete the ELMS training module: Diversity inclusion in the modern workplace (#255029). To take the class, please follow the ‘how to’ instructions at the bottom of the page

3. Send the following documents via e-mail to Angela Shennette, Senior Program Coordinator.

         - NIH Biosketch* illustrating commitment to mentoring and training

         - 200-word (max) statement: Why you want to become a FIRST Research Mentor

         - Certificate of Completion for your ELMS training module
     

*The NIH website provides instructions and samples for guidance on preparing a biosketch that is formatted according to NIH requirements.

REVIEW AND NOTIFICATION

• FIRST will acknowledge receipt of applications within 5 business days via e-mail.
• FIRST Program Administrators will review applications and notify prospective mentors within 30 days via email.

For questions contact Angela Shennette, Sr. Program Coordinator, FIRST Program.