Building Belonging Through Mentorship

When Jasmine McDonald, PhD decided to bring on her first doctoral student, she was initially concerned about reliving her own experience. As co-associate director for education and training at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), McDonald understood the challenges her student, Michelle Smith, MPH would face.  She also knew firsthand the transformative power of mentorship for creating a sense of belonging and providing a path to success. 

Now three years into their mentor-mentee relationship at Columbia, the pair reflects on the impact of mentorship in research and the mutual respect that drives their strong connection. 

How did your mentor-mentee relationship begin? 

Jasmine: When I received my first R01 award, I had the option of bringing on a doctoral student to help me with the research. This was my first time mentoring a doctoral student, and I was very nervous. But as soon as I learned about Michelle through a mutual colleague, I knew she was the right person to join my lab and be my first doctoral mentee.  

Michelle: I learned about Jasmine when I read about her work during my master’s program. We were discussing different research topics for program, and I was interested in cancer. I loved reading about her research in postpartum breast cancer. When I applied as a doctoral student, I already knew I wanted it to be Jasmine, so I wrote in her name right away. 

Jasmine: I had no idea you were reading my papers! It was such a full circle moment. 

What motivated both of you to find a mentor and mentee? 

Michelle: When I joined my program, I wasn’t really looking for a mentor in the relationship sense. I initially requested Jasmine as my mentor because I was interested in her research. So, in my case, I was extremely lucky because of who she is as a person and the incredible support she’s offered me throughout the last three years. 

Jasmine: I know firsthand how important it is that every graduate student feels heard and supported, because if you don’t, you won’t feel like you belong, and you’ll give up. I remember how meaningful it was for me to have even one ally in graduate school. 

But it’s also a big responsibility to take a student from being a student to an independent colleague, and I felt a lot of pressure. It’s an even bigger responsibility because there’s not a lot of us in the field. I needed to make sure Michelle was prepared for that, and to go out and mentor her own students eventually. 

What do you think makes your mentor relationship so strong? 

Michelle: Jasmine is an incredible supporter. Every time I come out of our meetings, I feel clearer minded and more organized. I couldn’t have imagined having this level of genuine support when I requested a mentor. She’s also a mentor to all students. Everyone knows that if they ever have any concerns, they can come to her.  

Jasmine: I was nervous about re-living the feeling of being a doctoral student, but I now know that I had to go through those experiences so that I could have the empathy and support Michelle needs. I think that’s why I didn’t want to bring on a doctoral student at first, because it was a vulnerability I wasn’t sure I was ready to feel again. But my own experience helped me understand what Michelle is going through now and offer better advice. 

What advice would you give to trainees at Columbia who are looking for the right mentor? 

Michelle: Pursue the people who inspire you. Jasmine has been such an advocate, not only for me, but for so many other students, and that’s an example I want to set for myself. When Jasmine talks about her own experiences as a student and a woman in this field, it makes me feel more empowered and positive. 

Jasmine: I’ll also say that not every mentor is for you! I’ve had mentor relationships that didn’t thrive or work. If you find yourself unsure if it’s a good fit- it may just be not the right fit for you. Don’t get frustrated, don’t stop looking. Just remember that it’s a relationship and no relationship happens overnight. 

You mentioned it’s important for you to help others like yourself in this field. How does mentorship help navigate different academic and professional research spaces? 

Michelle: I think it’s important to see people that have gone through what I’m going through – to see myself represented and thriving. 

Jasmine: Yes, and it’s important to have a wide variety of mentors, because you’re going to find yourself in a variety of spaces. If you want to thrive in every space you enter, you need to know the rules and expectations of them.  You’re not always going to be in the rooms you want to, but you’re going to have to find a way through. And now, I get to help Michelle move through these spaces a little easier.