Many early researchers (mentees) have used the Mentor System for Female Researchers that allows them to directly listen to abundant experiences from full-time faculty members registered as senior researchers (mentors). Here we introduce the voices of mentees who have actually used the system.
After entering the doctoral course, I wasn’t making progress on my research, and before I even noticed, I plunged into the fourth year. The people around me seemed to combine work, family, and research, and I was embarrassed because I couldn’t concentrate. Because of this I couldn’t open up about my difficulties. Since this year, the desire to change the current situation has become stronger, and I decided to use the system. As a result of an interview with the staff, I was introduced to Prof. Gaye Rowlie (Professor, Faculty of Law). During the first interview, the professor listened to my story in a quiet and warm manner, and shared the experiences that she stumbled upon in her research. Changing my situation requires time and several approaches, and I am sure that the interview with Professor Rowlie is one of them.
Graduate School of Japanese Applied Linguistics Doctoral Program Fourth-year Student
I used the system because I wanted to ask about how to proceed on my research and career as a female researcher. The mentor, Prof. Eriko Sugimori (Associate Professor, Faculty of Human Sciences) went deep into my story and listened to me very kindly. Also, she followed up on my research and how I was feeling, and I was able to clear my questions one after another. It is very valuable to receive advice from a professor that is not one’s supervisor or one’s senior in the laboratory. I would like to report to Prof. Sugimori and use this system again.
Graduate School of Human Sciences Master’s Program Second-year Student
