A Matter of Mentorship!
By Office of the President | Feb 3, 2026
The recent 2026 STEMM Mentorship Symposium convened leaders, researchers, educators, and trainees from across the country at Downstate to advance effective and inclusive mentorship across STEMM disciplines. Designed as a space to rethink mentorship approaches and forge new pathways forward amid significant changes over the past year, the symposium exceeded expectations in both scope and impact.
Participants traveled from across the region and as far as California, including a strong cohort of SPNSOR program participants, reflecting the national relevance of the conversations. The symposium featured a dynamic slate of panelists and speakers who shared practical strategies, research insights, and lived experience related to mentorship, career development, and sustaining scientific pathways.
A central highlight of the day was the keynote address by Sherilynn Black, Ph.D., Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement at Duke University, whose thoughtful and evidence-based perspective on inclusive mentorship set an energizing tone for the symposium. Her remarks challenged attendees to examine how mentorship structures can evolve to better support scientists and trainees at every stage of their careers.
The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research was proud to present the 2026 Excellence in Research Mentorship Award to Marlene Camacho-Rivera, ScD, MPH, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, recognizing her sustained and impactful commitment to research mentorship. Through her leadership, Dr. Camacho-Rivera has advanced inclusive mentorship practices, supported the professional growth of trainees and early-career investigators, and strengthened pathways for emerging scholars across disciplines. Congratulations to Dr. Camacho-Rivera on this well-earned recognition.
Beyond plenary sessions and panels, the symposium included 15-minute speed mentoring and coaching sessions organized by Justine Lottermoser, Ph.D., Manager of Career and Professional Development, and Ayesha Joshi, Ph.D., Director of Research Programs Development, Office of the SVP of Research, for approximately 30 pre-registered trainees. Career and professional development experts from institutions across the city provided individualized support focused on career navigation, research development, and professional growth, reflecting the collaborative spirit that drives meaningful mentorship.
The symposium was made possible through the leadership of W. Marcus Lambert, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Research, and the dedicated efforts of Pamela D. Straker, Ph.D., Director of Operations and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, College of Medicine; Lakia Maxwell, MSCH, TRANSPORT Program Manager; and a broad network of collaborators, speakers, and volunteers whose contributions shaped a day of learning, connection, and forward momentum.
