Krystle Cobian: 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 Krystle Cobian, 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 became interested in science in my high school biology class. I remember nerding out on how eukaryotic cells functioned. I kept coming up with questions that had yet to be answered by the biology textbook, and was curious about how things worked and why. My biology teacher encouraged me to study hard and continue to engage with science. In college, my curiosity about the study of life shifted away from the bench and toward the study of science education. These days, instead of bench science, I nerd out on the science of developing more scientists. Several mentors helped me get to where I am today. Some mentors encouraged my passions and validated my experiences. Other mentors provided research training, resources, and access to networks. 

2. What is your area of research?

Higher education

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 found it challenging to establish connections with new mentees, which usually happens at conferences, meetings, and via teaching. This year, I re-focused my energy on checking in with current mentees via Zoom and phone calls. 

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

Yes. I am really interested in the role of micro-mentoring moments and finding value in brief, yet powerful interactions with mentees that can support their meaning-making as they consider a scientific career path. 

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

During the pandemic, I have found that tangible forms of support have been helpful to students. I've written many letters of recommendation, provided feedback on personal statements for graduate school, reviewed cover letters for jobs, and connected mentees with colleagues for informational interviews regarding career training. 

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

My mentees have a great deal of inner wisdom. They know better than anyone what they want out of life. I have learned that my role as a mentor is to listen carefully to what mentees say and/or don't say to determine how I can be of support. 

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?

Trust the small moments—the words of encouragement, the brief check-in emails, the forwarding of job opportunities.