Academic Innovation Winter Institute Empowers Faculty and Staff Through Inclusive Mentorship Practices
The 2025 Academic Innovation Winter Institute on Innovative Practices in Research Mentorship will, offer CPP faculty and staff the opportunity to engage in transformative sessions aimed at enhancing mentorship practices.
The two-day institute, which will be held Jan. 15-16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Building 121, room 1001, will focus on supporting the success of first-generation and underrepresented students through inclusive mentoring.
This event will feature keynote addresses from distinguished speakers, including Jeanett Castellanos, associate dean of curriculum and instruction and professor of teaching at the University of California, Irvine, Veronica Franco, research associate for Health & Inclusivity LLC, and Sophie Pierszalowski, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of Washington, who will explore topics ranging from empowering students through mentorships to breaking down systematic barriers in research. Their insights will help attendees deepen their understanding of how inclusive mentoring can create lasting impacts on students’ academic and professional journeys.
Attendees will also participate in a variety of sessions that address some of the most pressing challenges in mentoring today. These sessions will explore issues like imposter syndrome, excellence in undergraduate research mentoring, and using undergraduate research as a tool for career readiness. Moreover, participants will learn how to cultivate strong mentor-mentee relationships, ensuring their students are equipped with the necessary skills and support to thrive.
Ever Barraza, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, highlighted the importance of the event.
“The Winter Institute on research mentoring is a space for faculty and staff to come together to exchange ideas, develop strategies, and enhance their mentoring skills, ultimately fostering academic and career success for students,” Barraza said “This event will emphasize the importance of creating supportive systems and structures, sharing best practices, and engaging in activities led by staff and faculty speakers who implement equitable mentoring practices. We invite the campus community to join us, share their experiences, and learn together.”
This event aims to foster collaboration among faculty and staff, creating a space where they can share insights and leave with actionable strategies to enhance student success across all departments.
For more information and to register for the 2025 Winter Institute, visit the Academic Innovation website or contact ai@cpp.edu.