Macro photo of tooth wheel mechanism with MENTORING_ MOTIVATION_ TRAINING_ GOAL_ SUCCESS_ SUPPORT and ADVICE concept letters

Mentorship Matters

Looking to strengthen your mentoring relationships and accelerate your professional growth? The AVS Professional Leadership Committee is hosting a two-part series of free webinars that will provide practical tools and actionable strategies for both mentees and mentors. Join us to learn how to build stronger mentoring partnerships, set clear expectations, and create the support systems that lead to long-term success.

Mentoring Up: Ways to Get What You Need From Your Mentors

August 27, 2026, 1:00 PM ET

Ready to get more from your mentoring relationships?

A great mentor can open doors—but getting the guidance, support, and opportunities you need often requires a proactive approach. Join this interactive workshop to discover practical strategies for strengthening your mentoring relationships, communicating your needs effectively, and building a broader network of mentors to support your professional growth.

Target Audience: graduate students, postdocs, and early-career faculty members who want to learn actionable ideas to help you take charge of your development and maximize the value of your mentoring experience.

Using Expectations Documents as a Tool to Improve your Mentoring Relationships

September 17, 2026, 1:00 PM ET

Ready to strengthen your mentoring approach?

Strong mentoring relationships don't happen by accident—they are built on clear communication and shared expectations.

Join this interactive workshop to learn how expectations documents can help mentors and mentees establish goals, clarify responsibilities, and create a framework for productive and successful mentoring relationships. Through discussion and practical examples, you'll explore ways to use this powerful tool to support mentee growth and success.

Target Audience: mentors in a research environment who advise undergraduate students, graduate students, or postdocs. This session will provide actionable strategies you can put into practice right away.

Presenter

Dr. Anne Lynn Gillian-Daniel

Director, Education and Outreach

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center,

University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-MRSEC)