This course is offered in Winter 2025 and is open to graduate students and faculty from all College of Biological Sciences (CBS) departments and graduate groups. We particularly encourage first- and second-year graduate students to attend as we want to empower these students with adequate knowledge and tools early in their graduate school journey. Each class (1 hour) is split between a presentation and a moderated, active learning discussion focusing on case studies. Presenters and moderation leaders are selected from among eMCDB T32 Trainees (trainees Taylor Pullan, Curtis Carlson and Nicholas Haghani are leading the 2025 course) and are assisted by at least one experienced faculty mentor each week. 

Weekly topics: 

Week 1: Course Introduction - Choosing a mentor / diversity of graduate students 

Week 2: Aligning Expectations - Lab compacts as a tool

Week 3: Keeping communication lines open; resolving conflicts

Week 4: Culturally aware mentorship; building mentor networks 

Week 5: Stress, life balance, and wellness; tools for resilient scientists

Week 6: Becoming mentors and managing lab environments

Week 7: Supporting equity, inclusivity, accessibility, and safety

Week 8: Finding advocates in the academic “bureaucracy”; creating and supporting change 

Week 9: Career development and planning; internships and other opportunities 

Week 10: Science communication and writing