Mentoring Initiative: PlantGENE Canopies

Mentorship is an important part of career development for scientists. Mentoring can provide new perspectives, strengthen transferrable skills, and expands networking opportunities. 

This mentoring initiative uses a “mentoring circle” format and derives its name from forest layers. Similar to how different layers of the forest support growth, we can learn from each other and grow together. 

Each Canopies’s group will consist of 4-6 scientists who will meet on the first Monday of every month for 1 hour for six months. A Group Lead will be assigned to each group to facilitate scheduling and discussion. Click here to learn more about being a Group Lead. 

We will attempt to group scientists by preferences indicated in the application form, but cannot make any guarantees. 

Applicants are asked to have a flexible schedule and be able to commit to meeting for the full six months. If your schedule is not able to accommodate additional meetings, please consider applying for future Canopies’ cohorts. 

Group Descriptions

Several group structures have been organized to provide the best fit for all participants. Applicants can select multiple preferences or none. 

  • Journal Club. Each group member takes turns presenting a paper at meetings. 
  • Presentation Format. Meetings start with a presentation by a group member followed by discussion. Topics are determined by the group, and can include research presentations, career journeys, and more. 
  • Casual Conversation. Meetings take on a more organic conversation. Members get to know each other through discussion and meeting topics are determined collectively by the group with leadership from the Group Lead. 
  • Women in plant science. Members get to know each other through discussion and meeting topics are determined collectively by the group with leadership from the Group Lead. 
  • Crop Specific. Meet with members who share your crop of interest. Members get to know each other through discussion and meeting topics are determined collectively by the group with leadership from the Group Lead. 
Applications are currently closed. Please consider applying next year.

What members have to say about PlantGENE Canopies:

I really enjoyed learning about each others roles and the companies they work for. It is interesting to hear how things differ from corporate, small company, and educational institution.
It was great to meet a number of new plant biologists at different points in their careers. We had some good conversations, and I made some contacts I wouldn't have otherwise.
I loved getting connected to scientists that are basically at the same level as me. I was also comforted by the fact that we are all working towards similar goals and shared the same concerns and were able to talk through many of them. I also really enjoyed the non-science part of getting to know new people who have the same passions as me.

Thank you to Outreach Team volunteer Lucas Lieber for the name!