Environmental Sciences Mentorship Program

The Environmental Science Mentorship Program (ESMP) aims to connect graduate students with each other to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive within the department. The idea was born after discussion on how to improve the student experience. The mentorship program's main premise is to support and encourage new incoming students by pairing them with upperclassmen who can guide and advise them through their transition into graduate school. The ESMP was modelled after the Chicano Student Program and was developed and launched in 2021 by Isis Frausto-Vicencio and Samiksha Singh.

Two people standing in front of colorful wall.

The mentorship program has been very successful this year, with almost half of the incoming graduate students signing up to be a mentee. This year, we have 6 mentor-mentee pairs! Take a look at them below and click on the pictures to see their highlights of the mentorship program.

Clare Murphy-Hagan and Emma Buerk

Two people standing in front of fence with climbing vines

"This program provides an informal opportunity to share thoughts, learned experiences and perspectives between two people at different points in their graduate career. As a mentor I’ve really enjoyed listening to my mentee's fresh perspective on graduate life and learning about her past and present life experiences. Plus who doesn't love chatting about dogs and outdoor adventures over coffee?" - Clare Murphy-Hagan

Haley Johnson and Nathan Sy

"I appreciate the opportunity to get to know new folks in the program and help them ease into the program, the campus, and the area. Being a mentor is cool!" - Nathan Sy

"It’s great to get advice from someone who has been in the program for a few years and knows the ins and outs of the department." - Haley Johnson

Hannah Hapich and Aral Greene

"The mentorship program was so much fun because I got to learn a lot about Hannah when we may not have otherwise gotten a chance to hang out. It also challenged me to be thoughtful about my own experience as a student and how to help someone else navigate grad school and our department." - Aral Greene

"It was great to have the opportunity to connect with someone outside of my cohort and outside of my lab. I learned a lot about the department/program and received valuable insights from my mentor, Aral!" - Hannah Hapich

Jamie Irby and Alyssa Valdez

Two people taking a selfie, one holding up a peace sign

"Being a mentor has helped me learn how to communicate and help someone else from making similar mistakes than I did. It creates solidarity in the program and is extremely fulfilling. I love my mentee!" - Alyssa Valdez

Michael Rodriguez and Lynne Xu

"The mentorship allows grad students to form strong bonds outside of our labs which is important for a healthy grad student experience. I enjoy being a mentor because I love connecting and learning with others and watching my mentees flourish!" - Michael Rodriguez

Aspen Smith and Michael Lum

"This program really ties the department together and helps it feel like a very inviting and supportive community. It’s sometimes hard to meet people and feel comfortable when starting in a new place, and I think one of the most valuable things for new students is the connections this program helps them build! I know my mentee is destined for great things!" - Michael Lum

"This program was a great way to meet more people in the department and learn more about campus!" - Aspen Smith

Juliana Guerra and Qingyang Shi

"This mentorship program introduced me to new people in the department, and my mentor, Qingyang, gave me valuable insight on how to view and make the most of my Ph.D. journey!”
- Juliana Guerra

Eliza Stephens and Audrey Braun

"A lovely way to get to know incoming students in our department and to support each other’s success!” - Elizah Stephens

"The mentorship program was a great opportunity to meet new people and to learn more about campus! Elizah gave me quality advice for my upcoming years and helped me connect with students outside of my cohort.“ - Audrey Braun

Environmental Sciences Mentorship Program

COLLEGE OF NATURAL & AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

COLLEGE OF NATURAL &
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES