Mentors

CTSI-Ed’s mission is to train the next generation of independent investigators in clinical and translational science. For their mentored research, Scholars are required to have a 2-person mentoring team that consists of a primary mentor and a translational research mentor. 

Primary Mentor (updated 12.14.23)

For predoctoral students, typically the primary mentor is the applicant’s dissertation advisor, but that is not a requirement. For all scholars (pre- and postdocs), primary mentors must have substantial research experience including a stable, active and externally funded CTS research program; a strong track record of research dissemination, including CTS-related publications within past 2-3 yrs; a strong track record of successful training of predoctoral and/or postdoctoral Scholars (i.e., have progressed to productive research careers); sufficient funds to ensure that the applicant has the necessary research support for expenses; and a history of working successfully in multidisciplinary research teams.

Translational Mentor

The translational research mentor should be a faculty member from a discipline different from the primary mentor and whose research promotes the Scholar’s translational research.

Tertiary Mentor

You may have an additional tertiary mentor if your primary and translational mentor feel it would be beneficial.

Mentor Requirements and Milestones (added 12.18.23)

Find full TRDP mentor requirements and milestones HERE.

• meet with your trainee at least weekly (primary mentors) 

• meet with your trainee at least twice each month (translational mentor)

• meet as a mentoring team with your trainee at least monthly (all mentors)

• attend a mentor orientation session

• complete the Mentoring Excellence Training Academy (META) program* (primary mentors only)

• complete the CTSI's Optimizing the Practice of Mentoring (OPM) online modules** (all mentors)

• Assist scholar to develop (and revise) an Individual Development Plan (IDP) identifying strategic goals and strategies associated with the Scholar’s objectives for the TRDP award, plans for completing required RCR training, and an associated portfolio of competencies

• attend progress review meetings with TRDP leadership and Internal Advisory Board members and the trainee at 6, 12 and 24 months

• work with TRDP Program administrators to complete all NIH reporting requirements including the annual Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR)

• complete several evaluation surveys at the start of the program, midpoint and endpoint

• respond to requests from the TRDP team in a timely manner 

• contact the TRDP Program Director, Jayne Fulkerson, PhD, if you encounter difficulties with any component of the program, if your Scholar’s project changes, if you will no longer serve as a mentor, if you leave the University of Minnesota, or if your Scholar is leaving the TRDP earlier than contracted (e.g. graduate early, receiving another grant award) 

* We hope to develop a special META training for CTSI-Ed mentors so we have flexibility in delivery and timing. 

** All mentors should complete the OPM online training modules before July 1, 2024 (the start of the CTSI T32 program).  (revised 12.29.23) 

Mentors who have completed META or OPM training previously are not required to take it again.