Mentorship Program

Students in the mentorship program are involved in concentrated research or project development in firms and laboratories throughout the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. They are supervised by mentors who are accomplished scientists, engineers and other professionals. Students must plan, implement, document and present projects chosen in consultation with these mentors. Accordingly, the students develop and refine their research and presentation techniques, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership skills. The many sponsoring firms and laboratories supporting the mentorship program include: the National Institutes of Health, The U.S. Army Topographic Engineering Center, UUNET Technologies, Inc., The Naval Surface Warfare Center-Carderock Division, George Mason Uinversity, Lombardi cancer Center, Smithsonian Institution and Orbital Sciences Corporation.

Goals and Benefits

• Integrate theory, knowledge and application through work experience;
• Provide opportunities for students to do concentrated research or project development in a specialized field under the leadership of professionals in the scientific and technological communities;
• Allow students the experience of planning, implementing and documenting a project in a research environment;
• Provide the mentoring firm with a resource of highly talented and motivated students.

Candidates

Candidates applying for mentorships are mature, conscientious, willing to make a commitment to the program and to accept the challenges and responsibilities that go with this opportunity. These students have a solid background in mathematics, science and technology. All have completed at least three years of science, including biology, chemistry and physics, four years of mathematics, and are currently taking or have completed calculus. Most students have had several laboratory experiences and are familiar with laboratory routines and use of associated equipment including extensive use of computers.

Arrangements

A mentorship generally lasts one semester and may begin the summer preceding the senior year. During the school year, students are released early on designated days to work at their mentorship sites until business closing hours. They work ten to fifteen hours per week and complete at least 180 hours over an academic semester.

They are typically not paid for the time spent at the mentorship site. Firms may choose to assist with transportation costs and parking fees. Students arrange their own transportation.

Projects

Students are matched with mentors based on their mutual scientific and technological interests and the goals of the TJHSST laboratories. Students, mentors and laboratory directors then work together to determine specific projects whcih are developed around the on-going research of mentoring firms.

The mentorship coordinators serve as liaison between the school and community and works with the TJHSST laboratory directors in the selection, placement, follow-up and supervision of the students.

Mentor Responsibilities

Mentors provide meaningful projects, necessary guidance and a suitable work environment. Students are usually assigned a portion of a mentor's project and held responsible for its development. Mentors and school-based laboratory directors assist students in producing a calendar of goals and periodic deadlines for project completion. The mentorship coordinators maintain contact with mentors for follow-up and evaluation of students' progress at regular intervals.

Faculty Curator: Richard Washer
Technical Contact: Shane Torbert