A Diversity Model That Works: The Mentoring Ladder

Louisiana State University Boyd Professor Isiah Warner is the mind behind a successful mentoring program that involves faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduates, all of whom reinforce their scientific skills and commitment to research by mentoring young students. His "mentoring ladder" is aimed at science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students who show promise but could benefit from additional guidance. Warner grew up in rural Louisiana and was the first in his family to go to college. He is now Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and the Philip W. West Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at LSU as well as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor. Warner contributed to the National Academy of Science's 2002 National Research Council report "Diversity Models That Work" and is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring from President Bill Clinton. He will speak about the keys to successful recruiting and mentoring for under-represented graduate and undergraduate students. The 2011 College of Engineering Diversity Workshop Keynote Speaker.