Foreword to the Second Edition

One of the most impactful and gratifying contributions that faculty members can make is to serve as a mentor to undergraduate researchers (or even promising high school students). Mentorship combines all of the traditional roles of faculty: teaching, scholarship, and service. As City Tech is a primarily undergraduate institution, serving as a mentor to undergraduate researchers results in enthusiastic collaborations in the pursuit of new knowledge and advancing scholarship, which can lead to publications and presentations. Participation in research can be a transformative experience for the student, as well as a rewarding experience for the faculty mentor, as their students develop a deeper understanding of the research topic, better appreciate the value of what they have learned in the classroom, more deeply understand the research process from conceptualization to execution, develop confidence, and enhance their professional skills.

However, serving as a mentor to an undergraduate researcher is not without its challenges. The 2nd edition of A Handbook on Mentoring Students in Undergraduate Research strives to equip faculty with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to help them become more effective research mentors. It provides practical advice on how to establish a productive mentoring relationship, develop and articulate engaging research projects, and navigate common challenges. It was conceived and written by experienced undergraduate researcher mentors who themselves implemented these strategies and faced these challenges. Special thanks to all who contributed for sharing their wisdom and expertise. The 1st edition was used by countless mentors across the country, and I am sure this edition will have an even greater reach.

To those of you reading this Handbook, thank you for your dedication to nurturing the next generation of researchers and professionals, who will hopefully become mentors themselves. These efforts assure that valuable knowledge, skills, and values are passed on to the next generation. Your contributions are invaluable and profoundly appreciated.

Dr. Pamela Brown, Provost, New York City College of Technology