Two NIU students participated in the National Institutes of Health Science Education Conference held in Washington D.C. from May 30 through June 2.
Students Trevor Laffin, a first-year student in NIU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and Alassane Twillie, a junior studying health sciences/pre-physical therapy, represented NIU in a keynote panel on near-peer mentoring as well as presented posters during the conference.
“The community at this conference fostered an environment that was welcoming to all individuals regardless of experience in any particular field,” Laffin said. “This experience was not only very enjoyable and insightful, but I believe it was necessary for a young researcher like me. I would relate it to opening the eyes of individuals that are not aware of the vast possibilities that science and higher education can provide.”
Twillie said being on the panel was a good opportunity to gain professional experience while sharing what he has learned with others.
“I hope others gained insight on the benefits of being both a mentor and a mentee, and the importance of catering and adapting teaching styles and materials to specific individuals,” Twillie said. “I also learned that I was right in thinking my place is around other scientists.”
Laffin said that mentoring is as much about relationship building as it is about teaching and learning.
“Although the goal of mentoring (in many instances) is to better an individual’s professional identity, teaching mentors and mentees to grow a relationship through communication is often one of the best outcomes,” Laffin said. 
Both students were selected to participate by Melani Duffrin, acting chair of the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions (IHP).
“The students were talking about their near-peer mentorship experiences at NIU and how it has helped them develop as professionals,” Duffrin said. “This is an innovative feature of IHP’s curriculum at NIU. Through Collaborative Connections, a professional development program in the school, we aim to provide our students with relationships that support academic achievement and essential employability skills.”
Learn more about the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions at NIU.
