PEER Mentoring Network

As PEER develops a new generation of biomedical research scientists, it will enrich their academic experience with a support system that provides honest critiques, close mentoring, a balanced perspective on the profession, and tools to persevere and also to enjoy life as a scientist.  Mentors are able to assist scholars in mastering additional skills and gaining knowledge or abilities in specific areas, thereby enhancing the scholar’s prospects for success. 

A novel feature of PEER is the inclusion of faculty and individuals accomplished at supporting and advancing underrepresented students into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.  PEER recognizes that mentoring is an invaluable experience and therefore in the spirit of mentorship and professional develop we have chosen a diverse and talented team of developing and accomplished investigators in quantitative biology and STEM disciplines to serve as role models and to help direct our students.

A team of five faculty mentors are assigned to each cohort of PEER scholars.  In addition, each scholar is matched with a graduate student mentor based on their research interests.  PEER scholars will also have access to ~50 research mentors from UT and ORNL to provide feedback, spark critical thinking, and expert advice on problem-solving, realities of a research career, negotiation tips, career guidance and many other abilities.   PEER will rely on close mentoring to ensure that scholars are on track and to allow for rapid implementation of specific interventions when needed. 

Contact Information

Cynthia Peterson
Phone: (865) 974-1531
Email: cbpeters@utk.edu

Sekeenia Haynes
Phone: 865-974-4064
Email: shaynes6@utk.edu