A core principle of our vision is to mentor and train the next generation of scientists, the future torch-bearers, the trailblazers of tomorrow! We want to operate with philosophies crafted around “we” not “I”, “camaraderie” not “competition” and not to create “sail or sink” environments but to emanate “let’s get there together” vibes. We want to treat each colleague with respect for their uniqueness, for their individuality and for the path that they have travelled to be here. We strive to create an environment which is not a landing pad but a launching pad for individuals to help them towards their future goals. Here are a few key points from Vipul about his mentoring philosophy:
Creating a collegial environment: I strive for an environment where everyone is treated equal, where we are all colleagues and where there is no hierarchy. I trust my colleagues to figure out the ways in which they feel motivated to accomplish their goals, whether that relates to letting them choose their hours of operation or maintaining a healthy work life balance. We want to create a workplace with shared responsibility and open exchange of ideas, where we get through failures and celebrate (in fact have a blast!) successes together.
A mentor must learn and evolve, and be available for its mentees: There is no one-size fits all when it comes to mentoring. I like to engage our trainees in productive interactions and start off by asking what their broad goals are and what can we do together to achieve them. I would like our mentees to direct me in how they would like to be mentored, to learn about best ways each individual imbibes information and how I should approach them when they feel that things are not going well. I encourage my trainees to draft their individual development plans (IDP) to help us align our thoughts and monitor quarterly progress towards the broad goals. I have an “open-door policy” where my colleagues can walk in any time to discuss science, not science or life as it happens. I am your staunch supporter, your cheerleader, your enabler and I will do my very best to be there whenever you need me.
Collaborate, go out and expand your network: Having gone through the various stages of my academic career, I have realized the importance of having the right mentors and an elaborate social-scientific network by your side. I promote my trainees to interact with individuals outside of our lab and look for mentorship beyond lab, departmental and institutional boundaries. Moreover, I couldn’t be happier to say that the department of Cell and Developmental biology, which houses our lab also puts a strong emphasis on progression of their mentees towards their career goals.
Inculcate curiosity: I have been very fortunate to be under the tutelage of mentors who instilled scientific curiosity in me, which has always motivated me to think broader. I encourage my trainees to be curious, be open to new ideas and most importantly be cognizant of why they are here. As the great Edward Hopper said, “No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination”.
Embrace and enhance diversity: I am well aware that being mentors and scientists our responsibilities in the community goes way beyond our research activities. I have stood for racial, gender, ethnic, socio-economic, cultural and religious diversities throughout my professional life and I plan to continue embracing my part in taking biomedical research forward with justness and egalitarianism.