2026 Research Mentee Training
November 18-19, 2026
Time: 9–11 AM PT
Online via Zoom
About
Workshop
Successful research mentoring is a collaborative partnership where mentors and mentees grow together through planning, reflection, problem-solving, and active engagement. Strong mentoring relationships help mentees reach key milestones and advance their academic careers with confidence.
Built on the evidence-based Entering Mentoring curriculum from the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experience in Research (CIMER), this interactive training equips graduate students with essential skills to navigate the research training environment effectively.
Through hands-on activities and discussions, facilitators adapt the training based on participant interest to:
- Shape their mentoring relationships and work environments proactively
- Gain clarity on their own needs and professional goals
- Develop strategies for fostering inclusive, effective mentoring relationships
Potential Focus Areas
- Maintaining Effective Communication
- Aligning Expectations
- Advancing Understanding
- Addressing Equity and Inclusion
- Fostering Independence
- Seeking Professional Development
- Cultivating Ethical Behavior
Limited Spots Available! This workshop is open to only 20 participants—graduate students eager to build impactful research mentoring relationships and support the next generation of geoscientists are encouraged to apply.
About
Workshop Agenda
The online workshop will include two interactive sessions, each two-hours long with a short break at the end of the first hour. The general schedule is as follows. Note: All times are Pacific Standard Time.
The final list of topics and the schedule may be adjusted based on the interests that participants submit at registration.
| Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Introduction to Research Mentor Training Introduction to the Science of Mentorship and Mentor Training Competency 1: Aligning Expectations Break |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Competency 1: Aligning Expectations – Compacts (Continued) Competency 2: Seeking Professional Development |
| Thursday, November 19, 2026 | |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Introductory Activity Competency 3: Advancing Understanding Competency 4: Maintaining Effective Communication Break |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Comprehensive Case Study Evaluation |
About
Workshop Facilitators
Gabriela Noriega
Gabriela Noriega, Ph.D., is a Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) Certified Facilitator. She most recently served as Associate Director for Experiential Learning and Career Advancement at the Statewide California Earthquake Center at the University of Southern California, where she led education and career development initiatives fostering STEM careers. She designed annual mentor-mentee workshops and built research mentoring modules into undergraduate summer research programs. Dr. Noriega holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology from CSU Los Angeles and a Master’s and Doctorate in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine. Her research focused on paleoseismology and social vulnerability to earthquake hazards.
Shannon Fasola
Shannon Fasola, PhD. is the Geoscience Education and Inclusion Program Manager at CRESCENT and a Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) Trained Facilitator. Passionate about education, Dr. Fasola manages CRESCENT’s five educational programs aiming to provide research and training opportunities for aspiring geoscientists. Programs range from high school to early career level. Dr. Fasola earned her Bachelor’s degree in Geology from St. Norbert College, and her Master’s and Doctorate at Miami University (Ohio) where she developed a diverse area of interest and experience in geoscience education and seismology with a focus on seismic and aseismic slip in subduction zones and human-induced (man-made) earthquakes.
It is CRESCENT policy to foster harassment-free environments wherever our science is conducted. By accepting an invitation to participate in a co-sponsored event, by email or online registration, participants agree to abide by our codes of conduct. See CRESCENT Code of Conduct.
