Nathan Smith Fills New Role at SMD: Associate Dean for Research Mentorship
As a PhD graduate and now principal investigator of a research lab at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD), Nathan A. Smith, MS, PhD, understands the importance of mentorship and what it takes to set trainees up for success. He will use his experience on both sides of the coin—as a student and a faculty member—to guide his work as the inaugural associate dean for Research Mentorship at SMD.
In today’s fast-paced world of science, effective mentorship is increasingly important. Major funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation, have made mentorship training a mandatory part of new grants. Rapidly evolving technologies, increased competition for funding and high-profile publications, and research misconduct and integrity concerns coalesce to create a complicated environment for students to navigate. Mentors and mentees need tools, training and practical guidance to chart a successful and fulfilling path in academia.
“Mentorship sounds simple, but it isn’t always easy or intuitive,” said Smith, associate professor of Neuroscience. “I’m excited to educate and empower our trainees and faculty members to put their best foot forward. No one has the perfect formula, but if we all have a seat at the table and work together, I’m confident we can create a mentoring culture where everyone thrives.”
In partnership with Sarah Peyre, EdD, SMD vice dean for education, and Rick Libby, PhD, senior associate dean for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs and interim vice provost and interim University dean of Graduate Education, Smith will develop policies, programs, and curriculum to help research faculty become more skilled mentors. He’ll also create and implement initiatives focused on learner growth and development, supporting graduate student and postdoctoral scholars’ career goals. With mentors and mentees from a wide range of backgrounds, Smith will infuse cultural humility and community building into all of these efforts.
“I’ve experienced firsthand the close relationship that Dr. Smith has with learners, and his unique ability to create a safe and supportive community,” said David C. Linehan, MD, dean of SMD and CEO of the Â鶹ĘÓƵ (URMC). “He knows what it’s like to be a student here and to build a research lab here. He is a great listener, communicator and advocate and the right person to bring positive change to our research teams.”
“Enhancing our mentorship practices requires a multi-pronged approach,” added Peyre. “Setting expectations, communicating effectively, being mindful of wellness in and out of the lab…all of these things have to be taken into account. I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Smith to lay the foundation for programs that bring real value to our researchers, graduate students, and postdocs.”
Smith's role, which began on November 1 and is pending approval of the provost, is unique; he knows of only one other medical school with a leadership position focused specifically on mentorship.
In addition to collaborating with stakeholders throughout the research enterprise, Smith plans to work closely with Craig Rooney, PhD, chief wellbeing officer at URMC, and Amber Rivera, MSW, łľ˛â±áłÜ˛ú’s director of learner life and wellness in SMD Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs to ensure learners have a sense of belonging and feel fully supported at the University. Smith’s groundbreaking collaboration with myHub, which will also include the expertise of Eric Vaughn, MEd, director of career services, and Elaine Smolock, PhD, director of writing services and training grant development, is set to significantly bolster łľ˛â±áłÜ˛ú’s mission to empower SMD GEPA learners in their educational and career pursuits.
“Being charged with the development of other people’s careers is an enormous privilege,” noted Steve Dewhurst, PhD, vice president for Research at the University of Rochester and vice dean for Research at SMD. “Shaping the next generation of scientists is one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable parts of my job as a faculty member and is why many of us went into academia in the first place. I think we all want to get better at doing this work, because it is core to our identity. I know Dr. Smith will help us get there.”
Previously the associate dean for Equity and Inclusion in Research and Research Education at SMD, Smith was the first Black graduate of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Rochester. After postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Utah, Boston University, and Children's National Research Institute, Smith served as director of Basic Neuroscience Research in the Center for Neuroscience Research at Children's National Hospital and Research Institute and assistant professor of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Physiology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
“We have been privileged to benefit from Dr. Smith’s passion for mentorship, recruitment, and retention. His work has most certainly had an impact on the graduate student experience. We know he will continue to pave a bold path forward in his new role,” said Richard Feldman Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and chief diversity officer for the University of Rochester.
As he embarks on his new role, Smith notes, “I’m at my best when I have a community around me and feel like I’m part of a team. It’s so important to get to know people on another level, to understand and appreciate what motivates the person standing next to you at the lab bench. I’m excited to meet more members of our community in my new role and to foster meaningful connections that I think will help everyone.”
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