I am a graduate student with varied research skills and experience. I had a non-traditional undergraduate experience and many distinct research trainings. These experiences have given me a strong background in working with people from various backgrounds and effectively communicating with others both personally and professionally. I am a mentor that values independence and self-motivation in students. These qualities are important for students in research and form a valuable platform on which to build a collaborative and teamwork based relationship. Research should be fun and be tailored to give a true research experience to any given student. Communication. I expect effective communication lines to be established early in the mentor-mentee relationship. I prefer to keep things informal between students to mitigate power differential so communication should be free and relaxed. That said, students should communicate with me about items directly relating to the work daily to ensure progress and allow for proper debriefing after a shift. Additionally, I am a willing listener and practice active listening for students to provide a safe place for students. Goals. I am a firm believer in setting achievable goals for each day, month, and even for the entire mentor-mentee relationship. This allows for celebration of each step in the research process that can often be grueling and demoralizing. I think leaving the workplace feeling satisfied with progress lends to a strong motivation to continue in the project. Expectations. I will settle expectations with the mentee upon the first day. Expectations will be mutually decided upon with the understanding that these will form the foundation upon which we develop our relationship as we pursue discovery in the natural world. Diversity/Inclusion. Involving underrepresented groups in scientific research is crucial for the future of science. A broad range of backgrounds and perspectives are important for analyzing and approaching questions from various angles to try identify the workings of living systems. Mentor responsibilities. I will provide opportunities for growth to my mentees from scientific, professional, and personal perspectives. I believe that growth in all these areas generally occurs simultaneously so providing varied opportunities like leading a research project, traveling to research conferences, and developing critical thinking skills, to name a few, is imperative for a strong research experience. Additionally, I will serve as a resource and advisor for junior scientists throughout their career and even beyond the lab. Overall. My general mentorship philosophy is based on developing scientific independence, critical thinking skills and professional and personal communication skill sets. The methods and preferences of each individual mentee will be take into account when it comes to methods of communication, laying out the importance of trust and accountability, and the goals and outcomes desired by both myself and the mentee.