Catalyst

As a first-year graduate student that is also a first-generation student, I found the Catalyst Program to be very helpful in guiding me through my first year of graduate school. Stephanie, my mentor, has been amazing! She is constantly making sure I am doing well mentally and has also provided feedback and advice that I am really thankful for. – Patricia Armenta

When I started graduate school, my Catalyst mentor helped me a lot by talking me through the process of joining a research group and checking in on me when I was writing a fellowship application. However, the most important thing he did was to help me feel like I belonged here. Now, as a mentor myself, I’ve enjoyed getting to help other students in similar ways. It’s rewarding to focus on someone else’s success and happiness, and the friendships I’ve developed have made my own graduate experience richer. My sense of belonging has only grown through my mentoring experience.

Catalyst was such a nice way to get to know older students in the department, and to get great advice on group joining/Madison and some perspective on grad school in general! – Kaylin Xu

Being a Catalyst mentor is gratifying! I can impact student’s journeys by sharing resources and advice, and by being one person with whom mentees can share their experiences as openly as they feel comfortable. At the same time, I grow my mentoring skills by receiving formal training and by experiencing how each mentoring relationship is different. – Stephanie Oliveras Santos

Catalyst is a peer-mentoring program that supports first-year chemistry students by fostering a healthy and successful graduate school experience.

Why Join Catalyst?

When you join Catalyst, you’ll get 1-on-1 support with a mentor who will guide you during your transition to graduate school in the first semester. You’ll be able to connect with your cohort and attend graduate student support seminars about establishing productive work/life balance, navigating through the “hidden curriculum” of STEM and academia, building a positive scientific mindset, and fostering an inclusive environment. You can also suggest workshops or events that you’d like to see!

As a Catalyst mentee, you will be expected to meet with your mentor at least twice during the fall semester (can be phone calls, texts, emails, virtual or in-person meetings) and to attend 1 out of the 2 graduate student support seminars hosted by Catalyst.