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Supporting
a graduate student means more than providing financial resources. New students
must be instructed both in the technical aspects of research and in appropriate
experimental design and data interpretation. This research methodology instruction
may be provided by the mentor or through formal coursework.
In her role as a mentor, the faculty member
should consider explaining to new graduate students the process by which
research is funded. This will help them understand the grant proposal
submission process. It will also emphasize the importance of rigorous
experimental design and data analysis. In addition, she should work to
develop a relationship with her graduate students beyond that of research
supervisor. This may include starting research meetings with a short "check
in" on how the student is doing in general, an occasional lunchtime
meeting, or other format that allows for conversation beyond the immediate
activities in the laboratory.
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