The Art of Mentorship: A Scientist’s Perspective
The advice and support a trusted mentor gives can be crucial in the career development of a life scientist. Receiving valuable guidance and encouragement from a supervisor can change the course of a scientist’s career, and the importance of good mentoring should never be underestimated.
Dr Nicoleta Nedelcu, a Lab Instructor at Mount Royal University, Canada, supervises and mentors students while fostering a collaborative laboratory environment. Her responsibilities include guiding students through complex lab procedures, encouraging critical thinking, fostering independent research skills, and overseeing student research projects. She provides experimental design, data analysis, and result interpretation expertise and ensures her students are well-prepared for all future scientific endeavors.
In this guest blog, Nicoleta shares her unique thoughts on the art of mentoring, the qualities needed to be an effective supervisor, and the importance of balancing supervision with independent research.
The importance of mentoring for scientists
Mentoring is important for early-career scientists because it provides the guidance, encouragement, and professional development needed to navigate the challenges of research and academia. Early on, students may lack confidence or experience in scientific inquiry, and a mentor plays a crucial role in helping them develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a strong research foundation.
At MRU, I promote student engagement in research and scholarly activities. I actively encourage undergraduate students to collaborate with faculty on research projects, providing them with the resources and opportunities to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience. However, effective mentoring is not just about teaching technical skills—it’s about inspiring the next generation of scientists to think creatively, approach problems with resilience, and develop a passion for lifelong learning.
Guiding the next generation
One of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring students in my lab is witnessing their growth as scientists. I enjoy guiding them through scientific discovery, helping them develop critical thinking skills, and encouraging their curiosity. Watching students gain confidence in their research, overcome challenges, and contribute ideas to a project is incredibly fulfilling. I also appreciate the opportunity to foster a collaborative environment where students can learn from each other and explore innovative solutions.
One of my proudest moments as a mentor came when a student (Frederick Harford) I supervised won first prize for a video presentation at Research Day in 2024. From the initial stages of his project, I guided him in formulating a substantial research question and helped him refine his methodology. Rather than giving him direct answers, I asked, what if we approach this problem from a different perspective? This prompted him to explore alternative methods and better understand his work. I introduced him to advanced characterization techniques and directed him toward relevant literature to strengthen his knowledge. Beyond the technical aspects, I emphasized the importance of scientific communication. I worked with him on crafting a compelling research presentation, reviewing his slides, and practicing with him to ensure clarity and confidence in his delivery. His ability to clearly articulate his findings and defend his work was crucial in winning the prize.
Ultimately, his success was driven by his dedication and hard work. Still, I am proud to have guided him, provided the necessary resources, and fostered a supportive atmosphere where he could grow as a researcher. My goal is always to foster an environment where students expand their knowledge, develop independence, and make meaningful contributions to their field, preparing them for future academic and professional success.
Building trust and encouraging critical thinking
An effective student supervisor is someone who believes in their students’ potential, nurtures their curiosity and provides guidance with patience and trust. They transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
It’s essential to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving by fostering curiosity, asking open-ended questions, and guiding students to analyze results rather than obtain them. I challenge them to troubleshoot experiments, explore alternative approaches, and reflect on their findings. By promoting independent thinking, hands-on learning, and constructive discussions, I assist my students to develop confidence in their analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Finding the right balance as a mentor
My approach to mentoring has evolved as I’ve gained more experience working with students. Early on, I was more hands-on, focusing on providing direct guidance at every step. Over time, I’ve learned to step back and encourage more independence, allowing students to take ownership of their projects while providing support when needed. I’ve also become more attuned to individual learning styles, adapting my approach to meet each student’s unique needs. Ultimately, my goal is to foster confidence, critical thinking, and a passion for research that reduces the need for micro-management.
Balancing student independence with oversight requires a structured yet flexible approach. I set clear expectations, provide training, and gradually encourage autonomy. Regular check-ins and open communication ensure confidence in problem-solving while maintaining accuracy, safety, and scientific integrity.
Science constantly evolves, and it's essential to be open to learning, adapting, and pushing beyond one's comfort zone, no matter what stage you are at in your career. Persistence, resilience, and a willingness to ask questions are just as important as technical skills, but perhaps most importantly, having a trusted person around you can make all the difference in one's scientific journey.
About the author
Dr Nicoleta Nedelcu is a Lab Instructor at Mount Royal University, Canada, working in the Department of Physics and Chemistry. Her research work involves exploring and manipulating materials to develop innovative technologies, optimizing thin film coatings, and understanding how surfaces interact at a molecular scale. Science fascinated her from a young age, particularly in physics and chemistry. This passion led her to pursue studies in chemistry and physics, ultimately focusing on thin film deposition and surface characterization.
Beyond research and mentoring, she is passionate about promoting student engagement in scientific inquiry and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. She strongly supports initiatives that encourage hands-on learning, critical thinking, and the integration of physics and chemistry into real-world applications. She also advocates for increasing opportunities for undergraduate research, ensuring students gain valuable experience that prepares them for future academic and professional careers. She believes in the importance of making science accessible and engaging for a wider audience, whether through outreach programs, public lectures, or innovative teaching approaches.
Outside of her career, she cherishes spending time with her family. She also enjoys hobbies such as reading, hiking, running, and exploring new creative projects, which help to inspire and freshen her work.
Connect with Dr Nedelcu:
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LinkedIn: Nicoleta Nedelcu Ph.D
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Website: https://www.drnicoletanedelcu.com
More advice on mentoring from Hello Bio
For more advice on mentoring for life scientists, take a look at these other great resources from the Hello Bio blog:
- The Life Scientists' Guide to Mentoring
- The Importance of Mentoring for Postdoctoral Fellows - guest blog by Ksenia Kastanenka
- The Importance of Mentoring in Science & Tips for New Mentors - guest blog by Maria Valesco
- Navigating the Mentor-Mentee Relationship - guest blog by Dr Enitome Bafor
- The 12-Step Guide to Getting the Most From Your Mentors - guest blog by Professor Stuart Maudsley
- Why Scientists Need Great Mentors - guest blog by Professor Stuart Maudsley
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