What is an LSU HHMI Mentor?

An LSU HHMI Mentor is...

A wise and trusted person who assumes responsibility for another person, to impart knowledge or skill by example and experience through an exchange of opinions and ideas in order to reach a decision for a plan of action that facilitates increased learning ability.

-Lisa Batiste-Evans

LSU HHMI Undergraduate Mentors are students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines who are ready to change their academic careers. Though they enter the program with GPAs between 2.5 and 3.0, they are committed to raising the bar-and helping others to do the same.

In the HHMI Professors Program, Undergraduate Mentors receive the support they need to achieve academic excellence. They attend regular mentoring meetings with program staff, enroll in a course in which they acquire new learning strategies and organizational skills, and develop a solid academic support network among program participants. They benefit from increased opportunities for research and assistance in obtaining summer research positions, as well as mentoring local high school students. For their efforts and dedication to the program, they receive a stipend of $3,000 per year.

LSU HHMI Graduate Mentors are graduate students in the STEM areas who are committed to helping undergraduates reach their full potential. They take on Undergraduate Mentors in their research projects and help the students to become effective researchers. For their commitment to the program, Graduate Mentors receive a yearly stipend.

LSU HHMI High School Teacher Mentors are high school teachers who are implementing innovative mentoring and metacognitive techniques in the classroom. Their students work with LSU HHMI Undergraduate Mentors.

LSU HHMI Faculty Mentors are LSU faculty who devote their time to the HHMI Professors Program, enriching the experiences of all other participants. They have the opportunity to interact with an extraordinary group of students and to participate in changing the face of math and science education at LSU and beyond.