The mentoring element

This was the inaugural year of the Department of Chemistry's Industry Mentor program. Alumni mentors meet with student mentees bi-monthly to discuss goals and provide firsthand leadership. Mentors came from a variety of fields, giving students the chance to meet with someone who has pursued a path relevant to their own. The inaugural class of mentors were Ph.D.s and M.D.s who took mentees into their labs or hospitals for insightful experiences; all mentors said they believe they made a difference.

Larry Roy, M.D., a 1980 chemistry graduate and current vice president of quality and patient safety at Advocate Children's Hospital, mentored Titiana Gorges, a 2019 chemistry graduate.

"Mentoring Titiana has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience. It has been energizing and - as expected - extremely rewarding; it has not only provided me the opportunity to forge a mutually respectful relationship with a bright, dedicated student but also laid the foundation for continued interaction beyond her graduation," said Roy. "It was an honor to provide her with a little guidance, advice and support, and I look forward to witnessing Titiana's professional evolution and eventual success."

For Titiana, the appreciation was mutual.

"One of the best experiences in my undergraduate career included the Industry Mentoring Program," she said. "Dr. Roy is an outstanding doctor and mentor. I learned a lot about the application process for graduate/medical schools, giving me the opportunity to be the best applicant I can possibly be. I will forever remember all of the advice Dr. Roy gave me, and I will continue to be in contact with him throughout my journey in the medical field."

The Department of Chemistry Industry Mentor Program will continue in 2020-21. Students interested in applying can contact erin@wayne.edu, while alumni who are interested in mentoring may email steve.zoski@wayne.edu.

By Steve Zoski