The Qualified Scientist and the Mentor

A Qualified Scientist is a scientist with special expertise in the subject area in which a student is working (see Definition of Terms). This person should have an advanced degree and be thoroughly familiar with the local, state, and federal regulations that govern the research area. Other specially qualified individuals may serve as a Qualified Scientist if approved by the SRC.

In some projects, students will be required to work with a Qualified Scientist.  Examples are projects that involve invasive procedures with vertebrate animals, studies on human subjects which involve more than minimal risk, and projects that involve Biosafety Level 2 biological agents.

Some students choose to work closely, or on a long term basis, with a Qualified Scientist. The scientist is then considered the student’s Mentor. There are several advantages to this arrangement. The student has the opportunity to work with a professional scientist, often in an institutional setting. The scientist has the opportunity to work with the student, observing first hand the advancements in science and technology in the schools. Mentorship also gives the student the opportunity to do research that would normally be beyond the capabilities of most schools.

Just going to a scientist’s lab and using the equipment does not mean that the scientist is a Mentor. Mentorship is a relationship with a scientist in which information, guidance and training are given over a period of time. The Mentor also becomes the student’s sponsor within the research organization.

The local colleges and universities are excellent sources for Qualified Scientists/Mentors, as are many corporations in the area. Make sure the student has his/her experiment outlined before approaching a possible mentor. Do not go to a mentor for experiment ideas.