Alumni E-Newsletter - Summer 2009
Show 'Em the Ropes
Share Your Expertise With Young Professionals
UNLV alumni are invited to share their expertise in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics with students and young professionals through MentorNet. The e-mail-based mentoring network promotes retention and enhances diversity in those fields — particularly among women and minorities.
"MentorNet is a great way for alumni to reach out to younger aspiring professionals," said Michelle Elekonich, a professor in the College of Sciences and an e-mentor to a molecular biology and bioinformatics graduate student in Switzerland. "It allows students to connect to professionals that they might not otherwise meet and allows professionals to develop and hone their mentoring skills," Elekonich said.
The College of Sciences is spearheading UNLV’s participation in MentorNet in collaboration with the Howard Hughes College of Engineering and the office of the vice president for diversity and inclusion. UNLV has more than 30 people participating — including five mentors, 16 currently matched mentees, and 11 waiting to be matched.
MentorNet is a nonprofit, e-mentoring network that matches undergraduates, graduate students, and junior faculty members with mentors working in science and engineering fields. MentorNet provides training, coaching, and support for an eight-month, mentoring relationship in the free program.
Founded in 1997, MentorNet has matched more than 24,000 mentors and protégés over the years, many of whom go on to internships in the companies where their mentors work.
For more information, contact Elekonich at michelle.elekonich@unlv.edu or visit mentornet.net.