SFS Instars: A Mentoring Program to Increase Diversity in the Next Generation of Freshwater Scientists

Instars is a mentoring opportunity for undergraduates from under-represented groups interested in the study of freshwaters. The program provides opportunities for networking among graduate mentors, faculty and professionals hoping to encourage diversity in our discipline. The Instars Program was launched at the 2011 meeting in Providence, RI with 6 Instars Fellows and 3 graduate mentors representing 7 states, 1 territory and 8 institutions. The 2012 program will take place during the meeting in Louisville, KY. This year’s program is supporting 11 Instars Fellows and 8 graduate mentors representing 9 states and 15 institutions. The 2011-12 programs comprised several minorities and under-represented groups, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and First-Generation College students. For details on the application process and selection of fellows for the 2013 Instars Program please contact the Instars Planning Committee. Programs or institutions are also encouraged to sponsor undergraduates by providing registration, travel or other costs associated with attendance at the conference. Funding for the program has been provided by the Society for Freshwater Science for more than $20K with substantial assistance from partnering institutions.