Elliott Hammer: Mentor Q&A

For National Mentoring Month in January 2021, we asked mentors throughout the Diversity Program Consortium to respond to this brief questionnaire. The responses to these Q&As help showcase the important work mentors do every day, and highlights their creativity and dedication in revising their mentoring practices in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read more to get acquainted with some of the mentors who work with the DPC.

Mentor Portrait: Jan. 2021 National Mentoring Month Q&A with Elliott Hammer, Ph.D.

1. Tell us a bit about your background; for example, when did you become interested in science and what was the reason? Was there a mentor who helped you on your education and/or career pathway?

I realized in high school that I was interested in issues of prejudice and discrimination, and once I got involved in some research as an undergrad I realized it was the path for me.

2. What is your area of research?

I study impression formation within social cognition, so how people think about others. More specifically, I study stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, with some side work on identity development and threat.

3. The past year has presented many new challenges for all of us. What are some of the challenges you have faced as a mentor or as a researcher? What were some of the solutions you found?

I would much rather be meeting my students in person; I miss the energy they bring me. I also prefer to be conducting studies in person, as that's an important skill. We've worked around this by doing all of our studies and meetings online, which has some convenience to it, but it's not as effective overall.

4. Has your idea of what it means to be a mentor evolved during the past months?

A bit. These are life events that I've never been through, so it's harder to draw on prior experiences to help guide my mentors. They also haven't gotten the quality summer opportunities they normally would have, and that presents an additional challenge.

5. How have you supported your mentees during the pandemic?

I've tried to keep my own chin up and make sure I'm listening to their concerns. It's harder for both them and me to keep our eye on the ball, so we're trying to keep each other honest!

6. What is something valuable that your mentees have taught you?

My mentees always teach me because their experiences are different from mine, and they bring new areas of research interest to our labs. Recently I shared with them some new psychology of communication through text messages, and I was surprised how much it resonated with them.

7. Mentoring plays an important role in fostering a community in STEM. What words of encouragement can you offer to your fellow researchers and mentors?

Nothing will move as fast as we like, but being together regularly is the key to keep the train moving!

LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/elliottdhammer