Computer lab with Mac desktops and a window with trees outside. Red quare of text reads: "the physical transactions we have with spaces and social interactions held within then have important consequences"

What’s in an Undergraduate Research Space?

This semester, we have found ourselves thinking about the importance of research spaces for undergraduate research mentoring and research productivity. Dr. Thurman recently returned from a post-promotion sabbatical and rebuilt the infrastructure for her lab. Her psychology research program centers…

White bold texts reads "When solvable problems arise in mentoring relationships, conflict can actually be constructive" on blue painted brick with white arrow cutting across. Elon CEL logo in bottom left corner.

Help!: When Problems Arise in Mentoring Relationships

Just like any other relationship, differences in opinions, values, and desires can lead to problems in mentoring as the relationship advances. Problems in mentoring might lead to superficial interactions, below-average engagement, unmet expectations, and difficulty relating to one another (Eby…

Woman sitting in an office behind translucent textured glass wall. Overlayed orange and dark brown diagonal shapes frame text that reads: "Each of us experiences life through unique intersections of our identities, which affect how we mentor and are mentored."

Building Trust in Mentoring Relationships

Mutual trust is widely recognized as a significant component of effective mentoring relationships because emotional and psychological safety allows both mentors and mentees to use their energy for learning and productivity rather than self-protection. Unfortunately, limited research exists on building…

Hand-drawn map of relationships supporting students' development. Text overlay reads, "Mentoring Matters. Mentoring in a Constellation."

Mentoring Constellations in Global Contexts

Recent scholarship emphasizes the essential role of mentoring to support student engagement in undergraduate research (UR) and global learning and highlights the potential of blending these high-impact practices (HIPs) for enhanced learning and relationship-building (Allocco et al. 2022; Whitehead et…

A toy construction vehicle in a sandbox. Text overlay reads, "If Einstein says play is the highest form of research, I like to think undergraduate research is one of the purist forms of academic play. I thoroughly enjoy the sandboxes, obstacle courses and playgrounds I have gotten to engage in with students and colleagues over my career. I often think, how did I get so lucky?"

Academic Play: The Power of Mentoring

If Einstein says play is the highest form of research, I like to think undergraduate research is one of the purist forms of academic play. I thoroughly enjoy the sandboxes, obstacle courses, and playgrounds I have gotten to engage in…