Program Overview

Center for Biotechnology

Tawjeeh Mentorship Program

Program Overview

The Tawjeeh Mentorship Program is a comprehensive mentorship program established across the CMHS departments, engaging selected mentees in defined research projects proposed and supervised by faculty mentors. Through hands-on work within active research laboratories, students gain practical research experience, develop essential scientific and technical skills, and become integrated into the research environment. This immersive experience is designed to motivate mentees to pursue graduate studies (MSc and PhD), while strengthening their academic preparation and long-term development in the health sciences.

Program Learning Objectives

The program has the following learning objectives:

• Engage in Structured Research: Participate effectively in defined, mentor-led research projects within laboratory settings, demonstrating understanding of the research process from problem definition to data interpretation.
• Develop Laboratory Competence: Demonstrate safe, ethical, and proficient use of laboratory equipment, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Strengthen Scientific Thinking: Critically analyze scientific literature, formulate research questions, and interpret experimental results using evidence-based reasoning.
• Communicate Research Findings: Effectively communicate research objectives, methods, and outcomes through written reports, presentations, and scientific discussions.
• Collaborate in Research Environments: Work productively with experienced mentors and other research teams, demonstrating professionalism, responsibility, and collaborative skills.
• Prepare for Graduate Studies: Develop academic readiness, research independence, and professional confidence necessary for successful entry into MSc and PhD programs.
• Foster Research Motivation and Career Awareness: Build sustained interest in research careers within the health sciences by gaining firsthand exposure to graduate-level research environments.

Program Timeframe

Applications are open from 12 January to 4 February, followed by a selection period during which mentors and mentees are carefully matched. The program officially begins with an orientation session led by the mentors, setting the stage for regular mentorship meetings and assessments throughout the program. A mid-year evaluation allows mentors and mentees to assess progress and adjust goals as needed. The program concludes with final presentations and a closing ceremony celebrating the achievements and growth of all participants.

Benefits of the Tawjeeh Program

The Tawjeeh Mentorship Program offers a holistic framework to empower students for academic and professional growth. Through personalized mentorship, the program provides:

• Motivation: Inspires students to reach their full potential.
• Direction: Offers clear pathways to academic and career success.
• Goal Setting: Helps students define and achieve their objectives.
• Guidance: Provides expert advice to navigate challenges.
• Knowledge: Builds a strong foundation in health sciences.
• Advice: Delivers tailored insights for academic and professional decisions.
• Support: Creates a nurturing environment for personal development.
• Growth: Fosters intellectual and professional advancement.
• Networking: Connects students with a strong professional community.
• Success: Equips students with the tools to thrive in their careers.

Program Format

The program format includes:

• 1-on-1 Mentoring Sessions: Mentors and mentees will primarily connect through one-on-one sessions based on their availability, fostering personalized guidance and development. Frequent in-person meetings are encouraged to strengthen engagement; however, online sessions may be arranged based on mutual convenience.
• Regular Evaluations: Mentors will conduct formal evaluations for mentees as needed to ensure that goals are being met and to provide structured feedback.
• Semesterly Check-ins: Each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer), a major planning and assessment meeting is required to review progress and set new objectives. These check-ins will serve as milestones to track development and keep the mentorship on track.

Program Application

To be a mentor, applicants should be a faculty member, Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow, or Research Associate at CMHS, interested in mentoring students by involving them in their research projects and guiding them through hands-on research experiences. They should specialize in one of the following areas:

• Healthy Longevity
• Infectious Diseases
• Precision Medicine
• Digital Health
• Drug Discovery and Therapeutics
• Public and Environmental Health
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
• Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research

To be a mentee, applicants should be a 3rd- or 4th-year CMHS Bachelor's student with one year remaining before graduation, interested in gaining hands-on research experience in a laboratory setting and working closely on real research projects. They should want to prepare for future Master's or PhD programs by developing research skills, academic insight, and professional mentorship.