Suresh G. Joshi: Mentor Q&A

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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 Suresh G. Joshi, 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?

For the past 34 years in academia, worked at four universities. My former mentor, who happened to work in one of the Nobel Laureate’s labs had inspired me. Now, I follow his path! 

  1. What is your area of research?

Biomedical Sciences: infectious diseases, bacteriology, infection control, antibiotic resistance 

  1. 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?

Along with others, lots of academicians lost their jobs. That was/is the bad part. Mentors do not have academic research funding these days, and hence challenging to take any students. Solutions are yet to come! 

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

Continuous learning from the environment, students and society evolve mentors.

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

I have tried. Had taken five students for virtual mentoring. Now I have limitations. 

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

Caring and bonding is bilateral/two-way.

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

If you are in academic premise, you must learn how to be a good mentor. If you do not have love for students, then other professions are probably a better fit for them. 

LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/suresh-joshi-b6060521

The Diversity Program Consortium Coordination and Evaluation Center at UCLA is supported by Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health / National Institutes of General Medical Sciences under award number U54GM119024.
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