LEAD Reverse Mentoring Pair
Spencer Dugbartey and Patricia Silveyra
Spencer Dugbartey, Reverse Mentor
Spencer Dugbartey is a master's student specializing in molecular technology from Ghana. His research interests are focused on global health and infectious diseases. Dugbartey believes research becomes more involving and fulfilling with the right leadership.
What new skills do you seek to gain as a reverse mentor?
Dugbartey: My main aim going into this program is to hone skills such as leadership, communication, and adaptability. In my opinion, these are the main skills—coupled with all the scientific knowledge and bench skills—that make a great scientist.
How is mentoring important to your career development?
Dugbartey: Mentoring plays a pivotal role in my career development, providing opportunities to learn from experienced leaders, navigate research challenges, and cultivate the strategic thinking necessary for impactful contributions to the scientific community. Learning from those who have gone ahead of me in the field is very important.
How does diversity and inclusivity impact your leadership style?
Dugbartey: Diversity and inclusivity are important pillars which should not be taken for granted in any setting. They foster an environment where diverse perspectives fuel creativity, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive innovation in research, as well as bring the best from everyone.
Spencer Dugbartey is a member of Association for Molecular Pathology, a FASEB member society.
Patricia Silveyra, PhD, Reverse Mentee
Patricia Silveyra is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health. Her research focuses on the study of sex differences and the role of sex hormones and their receptors in mechanisms of lung inflammation. She uses a combination of in vivo and in-vitro models to assess the effects of environmental exposures such as air pollutants, allergens, and vapes in the healthy and diseased lung, with special consideration of sex as a biological variable. Silveyra has served in various national organizations and committees committed to increasing the representation of women and minorities in STEM, including the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, where she was a board member and treasurer. She was also part of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) New Voices program and served on the NASEM Board on Higher Education and Workforce.
What new skills do you seek to gain as a reverse mentee?
Silveyra: Besides expanding my professional network, I hope to learn about the current challenges faced by scientists from different generations and backgrounds, as it will help me better advise my current and future trainees. I am also interested in expanding and improving my communication skills by learning about the ways in which the new generation acquires and shares information and knowledge.
How is mentoring important to your career development?
Silveyra: Mentoring is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Mentoring helps me grow my professional network and provides me with a constant learning opportunity. As mentors, we not only impart knowledge and help mentees reach their goals, but we also learn from their skills and perspectives.
How does diversity and inclusivity impact your leadership style?
Silveyra: Working with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences provides a wider range of perspectives when solving problems and creating knowledge, resulting in more impactful outcomes. Thus, diversity and inclusivity are important aspects of my leadership style. As a leader I strive to create an environment that promotes effective and open communication in order to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and learning.
Patricia Silveyra is a member of American Physiological Society, a FASEB member society.