NASA has joined forces with the American Geophysical Union and nine other scientific organizations to support students and professionals at all levels in the Earth and space sciences (ESS) – including astrophysics, heliophysics, and planetary science – through Mentoring365. This virtual mentoring program will provide connectivity and access to a community of Earth and space professionals (scientists, engineers, mathematicians, writers and more) around the globe and facilitate the exchange of diverse professional knowledge, expertise, skills, insights, and experiences.
“I am excited to join forces with professional organizations around NASA’s science mission disciplines with one core objective, growing and empowering a diverse workforce,” said Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s associate administrator for science. “To build the best community it takes all of us, and that’s at the heart of mentorship.”
Accessing and connecting with experienced researchers and science professionals is important for those considering or actively pursuing a career in ESS, astronomy, heliophysics, or planetary science. In this new, all-virtual environment students and early-career professionals are missing the benefits that in-person environments offer, such as impromptu meetings at conferences and informal, open-door office conversations that lead to relationship building and knowledge transfer. Mentoring365 is seeking to remedy these issues.
“Early- and mid-career professionals in the heliophysics, astrophysics, planetary, and ESS communities are experiencing challenges finding support for both personal and professional development, and these have been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Dr. Nicola Fox, director of NASA’s Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “What’s unique about Mentoring365 is it provides equitable access to the global professional science community, as opposed to traditional mentoring programs that are limited to a specific location, institution, or conference.”
The Mentoring365 partner organizations cover a cross-section of sciences and include the American Geophysical Union, the American Astronomical Society, American Society for Gravitational and Space Research, the American Meteorological Society, Association for Women Geoscientists, Deutschen Geophysikalischen Gesellschaft, Geological Society of America, Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, NASA, and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
“Thanks to the variety of partnerships, Mentoring365 mentees and mentors gain equal access to a wide variety of expertise and perspectives across the global space and geoscience communities,” Dr. Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters.
“Launching a successful mission requires that all different types of people and jobs come together. We must ensure that the next generation of STEM professionals is inclusive of everyone, with all of the different thoughts, perspectives, approaches, knowledge, and roles that are necessary for successfully taking the next great leaps,” said Dr. Paul Hertz, director of NASA’s Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters.
Fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Mentoring365 is dedicated to helping fill gaps in resources essential to a successful career and expanding opportunities within and beyond academia. The program connects individuals in the astrophysics, helophysics, planetary and ESS community with other professionals who can help them further their careers by providing guidance to enhance communication and leadership skills, explore a variety of science disciplines, and build connections to successfully move their careers and education forward.
“NASA has a history of openness and collaboration,” said Dr. Craig Kundrot, director of NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division at NASA Headquarters. “Because of that openness and our dedication to developing a dynamic and diverse workforce through efforts like Mentoring365, I anticipate a future where new generations of scientists and entrepreneurs will work together to take humans and technology farther than we can possibly imagine.”
The primary focus of Mentoring365 is fostering a robust, diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce of talented professionals equipped with the skills needed to address the challenges the environment and planet are facing. This diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) focus is key for supporting science and technological innovation more generally.
“Ensuring that DEIA is at the forefront of our efforts enables us to continuously recruit and engage the best talent from the full spectrum of society – with a variety of valuable skills, capabilities, perspectives, thinking, culture, and backgrounds,” said Dr. Lori Glaze, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters.
Become a Mentor and Mentee
Mentoring365 offers a safe virtual environment for mentors and mentees. The program allows participants to engage at their convenience and customize their experience by establishing relationships that suit their needs, be it through a one-time discussion or a long-term mentoring relationship. Participants are encouraged to serve as both mentors and mentees.
“Mentorship is vital for personal and professional growth and career development. At every stage of your career you should both be and have a mentor,” said Fox. “I have benefitted greatly from wonderful mentors throughout my career.”
There are benefits to serving as both a mentor and mentee.
Mentors can:
- Hone their communication skills
- Connect with early-career scientists and researchers
- Sharpen leadership skills
- Broaden and deepen understanding of the field
Mentees can:
- Expand their professional networks
- Learn how to handle professional challenges, in general, and those unique to the ESS community
- Develop leadership skills
- Explore opportunities and career paths
NASA is one of 10 partnering organizations supporting Mentoring365. NASA’s participation is funded and managed by the Heliophysics Division in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. The mentoring program welcomes individuals in astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary, Earth, and space science disciplines. The program connects them with other professionals who can help them understand and navigate the landscape by assisting them improve communication and leadership skills, explore a variety of disciplines, and build connections to successfully move their careers and education forward.
To learn more about Mentoring365 and to sign up to be both a mentor and mentee, visit:
https://mentoring365.chronus.com/
By Denise Hill
Heliophysics Division, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC