The Value of Honest Mentorship: What I Learned from Professor Mike
I’m so fortunate to have had a few senior professors in the department who truly shaped my journey—and Professor Mike stands out among them. From the early days of my K99 application to preparing for faculty job interviews, Mike has been a constant source of support. He was one of the key people who helped me practice both my research talk and chalk talk, offering sharp insights that made all the difference.
What I appreciated most was how approachable he always was. I never had to schedule a meeting or send a formal email—I could just knock on his door, and we’d have a meaningful conversation right then and there. Over time, he shared not only scientific feedback but also broader advice that helped me grow as an aspiring independent researcher. He talked about the importance of rigor and responsibility in research, the value of developing independent thinking, and how to carve out a unique research niche.
I remember his honest feedback when he told me that one of my proposed aims might not be competitive for faculty interviews. Instead of dismissing the idea, he listened carefully to my rationale, asked thoughtful questions, and worked with me to develop a stronger aim—one that ultimately made it into my job application.
His willingness to invest that time and energy is a true reflection of what makes a great mentor: someone who not only guides but challenges, who supports but also pushes you to be better. Mike exemplifies what it means to help trainees transition into confident, independent researchers. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.