Learn. Grow. Mentor.
Welcome to the SyBBURE Searle Undergraduate Research Program mentoring guide.
After 20 impactful years, the SyBBURE Searle Undergraduate Research Program's funding is scheduled to conclude at the end of summer 2027.
Over the past two decades, the program has made a real difference by opening doors for students, building community, and showing its value again and again.
This moment is both a time to look back and a chance to move forward. With your support, the SyBBURE Searle Undergraduate Research Program does not have to end in 2027. A gift to extend the program will help carry its proven impact into the future and allow the work built over 20 successful years to keep growing.
Join us in sustaining this legacy and helping shape what comes next.
The SyBBURE Searle Program supports the research and design education and training of undergraduate students at Vanderbilt University. These students participate in research projects conducted in labs across Vanderbilt’s campus. We partner with the faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students in these labs to provide our students with tailored, mentored immersion experiences in advanced scientific research.
Because mentorship is key to the success of our students and program, we have developed a guide to help support those that work directly with our students. Whether you are a first-time or seasoned mentor, we all have room to learn, grow, and become the mentor we desire to be. We hope this guide serves as a contributor to that journey for both your benefit and that of our students. While we value providing insight into mentoring young researchers, we also value the unique approach each of you bring and seek through this guide only to advise rather than decree.
Short Reads
Quick Reference Guide
If you only have five minutes, read this.
Tips For New Mentors
If you are new, we have a short list of tips for you.
Common Mentor/Mentee Issues And Fixes
Browse for an issue and see recommendations for resolving it.
Key Sections
SyBBURE’s Mentoring Philosophy
Learn what the program has to say about mentoring.
Before You Start Mentoring
Get prepared to be a mentor.
Communicating With Mentees
Learn what mentees and experienced mentors have to say about communication.
Supporting Mentees
Get deeper into mentorship by learning how to support mentees in key situations.
Setting Up a New Mentor/Mentee Relationship
Start your new mentoring relationship out right.
