META-ANALYSIS OF MENTORING MODELS IN MARINE SCIENCE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Much of the literature on mentored undergraduate research (UR) is based on the traditional one-to-one, mentor-protégé (faculty-student) mentoring model (e.g., Dotterer, 2002). Alternatives to the traditional model are team-oriented mentoring models, such as the “mentoring mosaic” or “relationship constellation” (Mullen, 2009). Mentoring mosaics comprise a network of interacting people with a common interest (Mullen, 2009). Such networks can facilitate the mentoring of undergraduate researchers by allowing multiple people to fulfill the five roles of mentors (support in emotional, appraisal, informational, logistical, and networking aspects). Mentoring mosaics also promote the exchange of interdisciplinary ideas.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the marine sciences, we expected to find an abundance of literature on team-oriented mentoring models in marine science UR programs. We searched 8 standardized academic databases for relevant keywords (e.g., marine science, undergraduate research and mentor) and found only 3 entries on mentoring in marine science UR. Due to the scarcity of peer-reviewed published literature specifically on mentoring, we are conducting a meta-analysis of mentoring models in the marine sciences based on 3 sources of information: published literature on UR in marine sciences (not focused on mentoring), GSA and AGU abstracts, and REU websites. In our initial results, we find that most abstracts describe interdisciplinary team-oriented mentoring models. Nearly all involve graduate students in the team and some involve community members. Of the 33 current REU Programs in ocean sciences, 21 specifically describe mentoring in the abstract. About half of the programs (11) mention the traditional mentor-protégé model; the others describe team-oriented mentoring. Only 8 describe the program as interdisciplinary.

Much of the information we are finding focuses on graduate students. Continued meta-analysis will allow us to develop a more comprehensive understanding of mentoring models in marine science UR programs. As an interdisciplinary and team-oriented science, there is a need for the marine sciences to disseminate best practices in UR in the peer-reviewed literature to reach the greater STEM community.