Alvin Holder: Mentor Q&A

For National Mentoring Month in January 2021, we asked mentors throughout the Diversity Program Consortium to respond to this brief questionnaire. The responses to these Q&As help showcase the important work mentors do every day, and highlights their creativity and dedication in revising their mentoring practices in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read more to get acquainted with some of the mentors who work with the DPC.

Mentor Portrait: Jan. 2021 National Mentoring Month Q&A with Alvin Holder, Ph.D.

1. Tell us a bit about your background; for example, when did you become interested in science and what was the reason? Was there a mentor who helped you on your education and/or career pathway?

I am in inorganic chemistry, and was fascinated with chemistry via integrated science from the time I was 12 years old at the Lodge School in Barbados. I started the subjects of biology, chemistry, and physics when I was 13, but my chemistry teacher from Ireland, Mr. Cornelius O'Shea mentored me to become his chemistry mentee, which inspired me to purse a B.Sc. degree (special chemistry) and a Ph.D. degree (inorganic chemistry) at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. My Ph.D. advisor/mentor/father, Prof. Tara Prasad Dasgupta (R.I.P.) molded me to become the best.

2. What is your area of research?

Inorganic Chemistry (bioinorganic chemistry and transition metal chemistry)

3. The past year has presented many new challenges for all of us. What are some of the challenges you have faced as a mentor or as a researcher? What were some of the solutions you found?

As a mentor, trying to change the culture in making underrepresented students value research and the MARC program. Also, to make the faculty mentors in the MARC program value the use of mentoring underrepresented students. I am trying to get such faculty mentors to value the use of mentoring modules from NRMN.

4. Has your idea of what it means to be a mentor evolved during the past months?

Of course. I am utilizing Prof. Dasgupta's style and will have a publication on mentoring in the journal, Inorganica Chemica Acta.

5. How have you supported your mentees during the pandemic?

Yes.

6. What is something valuable that your mentees have taught you?

To remain supportive with them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

7. Mentoring plays an important role in fostering a community in STEM. What words of encouragement can you offer to your fellow researchers and mentors?

Please be attentive and be a role model to them all. Show empathy and know that the rewards are exciting when your mentee becomes the best!

8. Any other thoughts on topics not covered in this form?

Time management, how to manage your financing, how to persevere as a minority, and how to network to succeed, how to respect your minority mentors. 

LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/public-profile/in/alvin-holder-a4630328