The most rewarding thing about being a mentor is when people ask me questions because it shows me that people are comfortable talking to me. When I was younger, I was usually too scared to ask people for help and I never approached people to talk to them or ask questions. I found people older than me or more experienced than me to be intimidating. When someone asks me a question, I like to think that I am doing a good job at fostering an environment where everyone can express their thoughts and interests.
Lynn Fenstermaker, Mentor
I’ve served on several graduate student committees and have worked with several undergraduate students. What I find most rewarding is helping the students succeed in their efforts and move on to the start of a good career. Connecting one-on-one with students is a way to help the next generation get at least one step ahead of where I started.
Vaidyanathan (Ravi) Subramanian, Mentor
Materials discovery and devices development to harvest solar energy continues to be a challenge. Eco-friendly and earth abundant elements have a great potential to harvest solar energy. With solar energy: your future is bright!