2024 Summer Research Experience
Mentor calendar and to-do list
May 20-24
| Action | Purpose | Template or link | |
| Create and send welcome email to participants | Introduce yourself and the lab/research to the participant; generate excitement | 2024 Welcome Email template | |
| Create Lab Structure & Team handout | Familiarize participant with people and faces they'll be working with this summer | Lab Structure and Team Organizer |
Before your participant arrives on campus
| Action | Purpose | Template or link | |
| Review the Initial Meeting Checklist | This will be a topic of discussion during the first on-campus meeting with your participant; it provides both of you with necessary information about your summer together | 2024 Initial Meeting Checklist | |
| Create an overview of the participant's research project | Provides the participant with context for the research project as well as resources and a timeline for completion | Research Project Guide NEW Research Project Guide EXAMPLE | |
| Complete the Background and Resources Guide for your participant | Concisely lists many of the necessary documents and information for the summer research experience | RET Mentor Resources Template | |
| Print copies of 2-3 relevant research papers | Provides the participant with background information and context for their summer project |
Initial days of the program
| Action | Purpose | Template or link | |
| Review program calendar, adding any important lab dates (vacations, conferences, etc.) | Ensure a mentor/guide for the participant, even if someone in the lab needs to be absent during the RET/U | 2024 RET and REU Program Calendar | |
| RSVP for program Welcome Luncheon | This is the program's kick-off event and we look forward to seeing everyone there! | June 11 RSVP for REU mentors June 21 RSVP for RET & REU mentors | |
| Complete Meetings 1 and 2 of the Box | Continue getting to know each other and discuss specifics of the research project |
during the research experience
| Action | Purpose | Links |
| Enjoy the July 4th holiday - no lab work or PD on July 4-5 | ||
| Complete Meetings 3-5 in the Box | This includes scheduling meetings with Maureen and Eric - use the links here to reserve your time! | July 1-3 meetings July 22-24 meetings |
| Work with your participant to complete program deliverables *Reflective essay - due July 25 at 12pm *Joint poster - due July 26 at 12pm | Important note: Chemurgy posters are due on Monday, July 22 for use at the Annual Symposium | 2024 RET-REU Poster Template and Info |
| Attend program celebration and poster session on July 30 from 9am to 1pm | Poster Session 9 AM - 11:30 AM in Hach Hall Theil Atrium Lunch and Program to follow in the Molecular Biology Building Atrium | RSVP Here |
| Attend participant final learning talks (Zoom) on August 2 from 9am to 1pm | https://iastate.zoom.us/j/7217854908 |