HONORABLE MENTION: "Sharing the Wealth"
Carolyn McQuaw, Pennsylvania State University, protégé

Question: How has the MentorNet mentoring relationship contributed to your educational, professional, or personal growth?

I am extremely thankful I chose to participate in the MentorNet mentoring program this year. I found the new matching process to be extremely helpful. I was able to rank my interests and search for a mentor with similar interests. My mentor has inspired me to broaden my interests, to believe in my abilities, and to tackle new challenges. I would love the opportunity to personally thank her for her time, energy, opinions and support.

My mentor has inspired me to broaden my interests, to believe in my abilities, and to tackle new challenges. ~ Carolyn McQuaw

I am a chemistry Ph.D. candidate in my fourth year at The Pennsylvania State University. I have always been interested in obtaining my Ph.D. and pursuing a career in science. I had a vision in my mind as to what graduate school would be like and the role of my advisor, but reality and dreams are never equal. I expected an advisor to be a mentor with which to discuss ideas and to gain encouragement from. Instead I have found myself left to my own devices - sink or swim. I came to MentorNet hoping to find someone to fulfill the role of mentor. At the time I was searching for a mentor I was finishing my first graduate project. I had so many questions and hopes for my new mentor I could not decide where to start. Thankfully my mentor, Dr. Ashby of Sandia National Laboratory, is willing to discuss ideas and is always a source of encouragement.

Shortly after our e-mail introductions I began preparing for the first presentation of my research at an international conference. Although Dr. Ashby was quite busy preparing for the bar exam to be a patent attorney, she took the time to offer me words of wisdom about how to prepare a quality presentation. Her advice not only helped me give a great presentation, but I have passed the advice on to others who have experienced similar success.

With her encouragement I participated in a school run career fair, although my research did not appear to meet industries current demands. I put together a poster of my research and had the courage to talk to others about it. I discovered that not only were the recruiters interested in my research, but they also complimented me on the presentation skills Dr. Ashby gave me and the problem solving skills I gained throughout my research.

Dr. Ashby helped me to realize that I have many abilities and that my résumé is not simply a list of my publications, but means of describing my abilities and my accomplishments. I studied Japanese as an undergraduate and want to continue learning the language. I learned from Dr. Ashby that editors and translators of technical Japanese are in demand. Without Dr. Ashby's knowledge I would never have even considered using my Japanese in the scientific community. I am currently working on developing a technical Japanese vocabulary and improving my translating skills.

This past year has been a very personal journey as well. I am engaged to be married in the early Fall of this year. Dr. Ashby has willingly given her time to discuss the complexities of balancing a scientific career and marriage. I am eager to use her knowledge to strengthen this new and important chapter of my life.

I feel that my experiences with Dr. Ashby through MentorNet have helped to improve my educational, professional, and personal life. I would love the opportunity to do something in return. I am currently applying to be a peer mentor for undergraduate science students at The Pennsylvania State University. Hopefully I will be able to share the skills, information, and encouragement that Dr. Ashby has given me with others. I give tremendous thanks to Dr. Ashby and the MentorNet program.