This peer mentoring group allows undergrad researchers to draw on the collective experience and support of their peers. We share our ups and downs, offer validation and advice, and most importantly, collaboratively develop solutions to challenges we're facing in our summer projects. Topics include setting goals and self-accountability, work-life balance, and advocating for yourself in academia's hierarchy. By reducing the power dynamic inherent in vertical mentoring, these bidirectional, horizontal mentoring relationships supplement traditional mentor-mentee relationships.
