Mentoring Programs

You cannot sign up for both the ASLOMP mentoring program and the OSM mentoring program.

ASLO MP Mentoring Program (ASLOMP)

The 33^rd annual ASLO Multicultural Program (ASLOMP) will take place at OSM2022.  This successful program has brought over 1,200 diverse under graduate and graduate students to ASLO meetings over the years.  Many have gone on for careers in the aquatic sciences and allied fields. Other scientific societies have modeled their diversity efforts after ASLOMP. The key to success of this program is the corps of ASLO/AGU/TOS members who volunteer to serve as meeting-mentors to work with the students.   Please consider sharing some of your time and energy with these outstanding students and volunteer to be a meeting-mentor.  Meeting-mentors should have their terminal degree and be able to devote sufficient time to their charges.  This means engaging your students several times (by Zoom or similar means) in the months prior to OSM2022, meeting with them once each day during the virtual conference, and if possible, attending their poster or platform presentations. Understand that this is different from the other general mentoring program sponsored by OSM.

If you interested in volunteering please fill out the form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeu5n-Dyr4k08nRZjF5UIGtQMpSqnW0ebxOsEfRIdDg-m7-7Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Please respond by Dec. 15!

OSM Meeting Mentor Program

The Ocean Sciences Meeting Mentor Program is open to any student participant looking for guidance on navigating the meeting and making new connections. Opportunities are designed to help mentees learn to get the most value out of their experiences during OSM 2022. Mentees will be grouped with experienced scientists (mentors) who will provide guidance on navigating the meeting and introduce them to other scientists.

If you would like to be a part of the meeting mentor program, either as a mentor or as a mentee, be sure to indicate your interest by checking the appropriate box when you register.

Did You Register to be a Mentee? Read Below:

The Meeting Mentor Program spreadsheet contains three worksheets. Start with Worksheet 2: Mentee Index, find your name, note your mentor’s Mentor Number, then use that number to find your Mentor Group on Worksheet 3. Note that the backgrounds and interests of your mentor and other mentees in your group are included on Worksheet 3, so you can learn a bit about them.

Your Mentors have just received these lists today as well. If you do not hear from them within a day or two, I suggest that you email them to set up a time to talk early in the conference. *There will be a Mentor/Mentee Room on the Gather Platform where you can meet whenever the meeting is in session, with the option of moving to a private “room.” 

Here is a reminder of what we hope you will be able to accomplish with your mentors. We know from past surveys how important these connections can be to students and early career scientists.

• • Prior to the meeting:
    • Exchange emails with your Mentor.
    • Ensure arrangements are made to “meet” your Mentor early in the meeting.
  • During meeting:
    • Attend Mentor’s presentation, if possible.
    • Meet Mentor early in the meeting and, if possible, later in the meeting to ask questions, learn of opportunities, or reflect on the meeting so far.
  • After meeting:
    • Reflect on the meeting. E.g.,
      • How did your presentation go?
      • What did you learn at the meeting?
      • What went well? What could be improved?
    • Participate in a short post-OSM Mentor Program survey.
    • Note: Please consider your Mentor as a 3^rd party resource (i.e., not your advisor or in your lab) so your conversations can be considered confidential.

Did You Register to be a Mentor? Read Below:

The Meeting Mentor Program spreadsheet has three worksheets. Start with the Worksheet 1: Mentor Index, find your name, note your Mentor Number, then use that number to find your Mentor Group on Worksheet 3. It should be straightforward to pull their emails, get in touch, and find a way to "talk”. Note that mentees' backgrounds and interests are included on Worksheet 3, so you can learn a bit about them.

Please take a minute or two right away to make initial contacts, and we encourage you to arrange a virtual meeting* to take place early in the conference. *There will be a Mentor/Mentee Room on the Gather Platform where you can meet whenever the meeting is in session, with the option of moving to a private “room.” 

Here is a reminder of what we hope you can accomplish with your mentees. We know from past surveys how important these connections can be to students and early career scientists, so thank you for your help.

• Prior to the meeting:
  • Email Mentee(s) at before the meeting.
  • Discuss objectives of meeting (sharing science, networking, career opportunities, learn new science content, etc.).
  • Arrange a time to “meet” Mentee(s) early in the meeting.
• During meeting:
  • Attend Mentee(s) talk or poster, if possible.
  • Meet Mentee(s) at least once, preferably twice, during the meeting (answer questions, reflect on science sessions, discuss mentee presentation/poster).
  • Introduce Mentee(s) to relevant colleagues.
• After meeting:
  • Check in with Mentee within 30 days of the conference completion to reflect on the meeting and follow up on any questions or concerns.
  • Participate in a short post-OSM Mentor Program survey.

OSM Session Mentor Program (OSMP)

The goal of this inaugural OSMP is to introduce graduate students and early career scientists to the process of conceiving and convening a scientific session at a professional conference. Many students and early career scientists are unfamiliar with this process and this opportunity provides unparalleled insight into this facet of networking and science communication. All potential mentees will fill out an interest form and the OSM planning committee will match applicants with a mentee in a field related to your session.  Graduate students and early career scientists should indicate interest by completing the form listed on the Student and Early Career page. Please note this is a limited opportunity based on the number sessions available, as well as a deadline in mid-August.

Student Presentation Evaluation Program (SPEP)

The Student Presentation Evaluation Program (SPEP) allows student presenters to hone their presentation skills and receive valuable feedback from esteemed scientists. The program relies on anonymous volunteers who visit a student’s poster or oral presentation and engage them in order to help provide feedback about a student’s research and communication skills.

• Undergraduate, master's, and doctorate student first authors select interest in participating during the abstract submission process
• Liaisons are assigned to each session and help secure judges during the session submission process
• Non-student members sign up to judge a minimum of three student presentations in the online system starting in mid-January 2022
• Evaluators submit feedback by 9 March 2022
• All students are provided feedback in March 2022