Culturally Sensitive Mentoring

Mentors provide advice and support along the path toward achieving undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics. As we work to increase diversity in physics it is important to recognize that many mentoring relationships will involve students and faculty from different cultures and backgrounds. While research suggests that cross-cultural relationships can work, it is essential that cultural differences be acknowledged and understood. Panelists from a variety of backgrounds will discuss their experiences being mentored, as members of underrepresented groups, and discuss their experiences as mentors themselves at different types of institutions. This background will serve as the context for discussion on effective ways to support and collaborate with diverse students pursuing graduate degrees.