2026 SCEC Research Mentor Training

Date: April 23 – 24 (09:00 – 11:00 PDT)
Location: Online via Zoom
Workshop Organizers: Gabriela Noriega, Shannon Fasola

Registration Deadline: March 16, 2026
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Advancing Research Excellence for Through Intentional Mentorship

Effective research mentoring relationships are the foundation of a robust Geoscience workforce. Based on the Entering Mentoring curricula developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experience in Research (CIMER), this training is designed to help researchers develop the skills necessary for engaging in productive, culturally responsive, research mentoring relationships– partnerships that optimize the success of both mentors and mentees.

Why Attend?

This evidence-based, interactive workshop moves beyond general advice to focus on the specific dynamics of the research environment. Studies have demonstrated that training for both mentors and mentees enhances their knowledge, skills, and behaviors, leading to more productive mentoring relationships. Participants will explore proven approaches and resources to enhance their research mentoring practices, empowering mentees to become future scientific leaders and collaborative research team members.

Mentoring Competencies

  • Aligning Expectations
  • Promoting Professional Development
  • Assessing Understanding
  • Maintaining Effective Communication
  • Fostering Independence

Who Should Attend? This workshop is open to researchers at all career stages who are committed to strengthening their mentoring skills. Priority consideration will be given to postdoctoral researchers and early-career faculty (within five years of transition), but all interested mentors are encouraged to apply!

Workshop Format & Schedule

The online workshop consists of two interactive, two-hour sessions, with a short break after the first hour. Participants will engage in discussions, case studies, and practical exercises designed to enhance their mentoring approach.

All times PDT

TimeAgenda ItemSpeaker

Thursday, April 23, 2026

09:00 - 10:00

Introduction to Research Mentor Training
Introduction to the Science of Mentorship
Competency 1: Aligning Expectations
Break

10:00 - 11:00

Competency 1: Aligning Expectations (Continued)
Competency 2: Promoting Professional Development

Friday, April 24, 2026

09:00 - 10:00Introductory Activity
Competency 3: Assessing Understanding
Competency 4: Maintaining Effective Communication
Break
10:00 - 11:00

Competency 5: Fostering Independence
Mentorship Tools
Evaluation

Mentor with SOURCES or SURE

Inspire future geoscientists by mentoring a SCEC intern. Whether analyzing data, optimizing software, or collaborating on projects, you’ll advance your research and support student growth. Mentor individually, co-mentor, or lead a team.

LEARN MORE

SCEC Undergraduate Internships

Join a program that values your perspective, supports your growth, and connects you to a vibrant STEM community. SURE internships offer immersive, in-person research, while SOURCES provide accessible, remote opportunities.

LEARN MORE

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP FACILITATORS

Gabriela Noriega, Ph.D., is Associate Director for Experiential Learning and Career Advancement (ELCA) at the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC), headquartered at the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Noriega leads SCEC’s education and career development initiatives, fostering STEM careers by providing students with valuable research opportunities and offering early-career scientists resources and mentorship to navigate key career transitions. A strong advocate for mentorship, she facilitates annual mentor-mentee workshops and integrates research mentoring modules into summer research programs for undergraduate students. Dr. Noriega earned her bachelor’s degree in Geology from CSU Los Angeles, and her Master’s and Doctorate in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, with an emphasis on Environmental Analysis and Design. Her research focused on paleoseismology and social vulnerability to earthquake hazards.

Shannon Fasola, PhD. is the Geoscience Education and Inclusion Program Manager at the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT), headquartered at the University of Oregon. Passionate about education, Dr. Fasola manages CRESCENT’s five educational programs aiming to provide research and training opportunities for aspiring geoscientists. Programs range from high school to early career level. Dr. Fasola earned her Bachelor’s degree in Geology from St. Norbert College, and her Master’s and Doctorate at Miami University (Ohio) where she developed a diverse area of interest and experience in geoscience education and seismology with a focus on seismic and aseismic slip in subduction zones and human-induced (man-made) earthquakes.

This event is supported by SCEC’s Office of Experiential Learning and Career Advancement in collaboration with the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT)’s Geoscience Education and Inclusion pillar.

It is SCEC and CRESCENT policy to foster harassment-free environments wherever our science is conducted. By accepting an invitation to participate in a co-sponsored event, by email or online registration, participants agree to abide by our codes of conduct. See SCEC Activities Code of Conduct and CRESCENT Code of Conduct.

SCEC Activities Code of Conduct

The Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC) fosters a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels safe, productive, and welcome. We expect all participants in SCEC-supported events to uphold this commitment by adhering to the SCEC Activities Code of Conduct.

SCEC Meetings and Workshops

The SCEC Annual Meeting brings together 400-500 participants worldwide to share breakthroughs, assess progress, and chart a collaborative path for earthquake science. All of the Center activities are presented, analyzed, and woven into a set of priorities for SCEC to pursue in the future.

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