The Supervisory Role of Life Science Research Faculty: The Missing Link to Diversifying the Academic Workforce?

This essay, published by the American Society for Microbiology, discusses the supervisory role of life science research faculty. "In this essay, [the authors] argue for a redefinition of mentoring in laboratory research, to thoroughly distinguish three essential roles played by research faculty relative to their trainees: advisor, educator, and supervisor."

This essay includes the following sections: The central role of research faculty in shaping research experience; The three roles of research faculty towards their trainees: advisor, educator, and supervisor; Current supervisory practices and their impact on the academic pipeline and the research enterprise; A framework for pedagogical practices in the laboratory; and more.