In our group, we believe in active inclusion as a fundamental framework to build an environment where all individuals are given equal access and respect. We acknowledge this extends beyond building a lab community where people connect in a passive way, but to foster an environment where all truly feel and know they belong. Therefore, we strive to create a group that actively engages and supports all members equally, regardless of their levels, experiences, and perspectives.
We believe that having an inclusive environment helps develop essential skills difficult to achieve without it, including tolerance, adaptability, and teamwork ¾which in turn leads to scientific creativity, innovation, and productivity. Therefore, in the Caballero-Flores Lab, we welcome and respect individuals from all backgrounds.
During my academic career, I was fortunate to have superb mentors that supported my professional goals and passion for science. This allowed me to understand the importance of good mentorship, not only for the advancement of my career, but also for that of other young scientists and science. To me, successful mentorship involves not only rigorous scientific training, but also instilling passion for science and providing the mentees with confidence and guidance to take on responsibility on advancing their projects and achieving their goals.
Critical thinking, self-learning and communication skills are especially important to succeed in science. I strive to foster these abilities in my mentees through discussions and constructive feedback during on-on-one meetings, data presentations and journal clubs. Likewise, I do my best to promote a healthy, safe, and inclusive work environment in which all lab members have the same opportunity to achieve their personal and professional goals. In turn, what I expect from my mentees is an active participation and leadership on their projects, commitment on reaching the goals established, willingness to learn from and share expertise with their peers, and promotion of a respectful, friendly, and collaborative environment.
Mentorship is not a fixed method, but a complex and dynamic system influenced by differences in personal and professional needs and goals between individuals. For this reason, mutual feedback with my mentees about their training experience and performance, as well as my mentoring practice, is critical and encouraged. This allows to adjust mutual needs toward creating stronger mentor-mentee relationships.