Mentorship can play a critical role in promoting a diverse global scientific workforce, particularly for people from groups historically underrepresented in scientific fields. However, dyadic mentoring models can reproduce hierarchies that reinforce the status quo. Reframing mentoring relationships as developmental mentor networks can more accurately describe mentees' experiences, deepen our understanding of how, why, and for whom mentoring “works,” and empower mentees to pursue their STEM career goals effectively. Moreover, critical theoretical frameworks, such as Identity-Based Motivation, Self-Regulated Learning, and Developmental Mentor Network Theory, can help explain how mentorship can positively impact student outcomes. This session will highlight Dr. Hernandez’s research agenda, emphasizing the formation and impact of mentor networks, showcasing findings from longitudinal studies, and illustrating the influence of mentorship and mentorship networks on scientific identity, motivation, and career persistence.
Paul R. Hernandez, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture and the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Hernandez teaches graduate courses in measurement, research design, and statistics.
The Robert C. Hodson Memorial lecture is hosted annually by the Department of Biological Sciences.