Growing Up in SFS: Instars Participation From Mentees to Mentors

Mentoring Program encourages undergraduates from under-represented groups to pursue post-graduate degrees and careers in freshwater science. The program aims to provide a professional network among participants that includes mentorship by established professionals and graduate students, exposure to disciplinary approaches in science, and guidance in pursuing graduate education and careers in aquatic science. Participation in the Instars program as both mentees and mentors has facilitated our development as young professionals in the field of freshwater science. Our presentation will describe our initial society involvement as Instars fellows (2013). We are currently pursuing graduate degrees in freshwater science and have returned to society meetings in subsequent years as Instars Graduate Mentors (2014, 2015). Key themes in our presentation will include discussion of the benefits of mentoring for career development; the importance of developing networking skills, encouraging guidance, and participation in experiential activities for undergraduates; and the advantages of a peer-mentoring system for leadership development.