Reply To: Q and A session with a past mentee- Timilehin Oladosu

[SouOla]

Hello Timilehiin,
My name is Souad Saidou, and I’m from Benin. I recently applied for the iCHORDS 2025–2026 mentorship program. I am an early-career researcher specializing in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, and I am currently working on a PhD proposal focused on female genital schistosomiasis — a field that remains largely neglected in my country. I see this mentorship as a valuable opportunity to connect my research with broader efforts being made around NTDs.
I’m truly inspired by people who have previously participated in this program, and I would greatly appreciate hearing about your experience. I hope you won’t mind if I ask a few questions — it’s simply a reflection of my eagerness to learn!

How did you choose your project topic or the focus of your collaboration with your mentor?
How did you organize your interactions over the six months?
What were the main challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Did your mentor help you achieve concrete goals (such as a publication, funding, etc.)?
What helped you the most in advancing your project or career during the mentorship?
What tools or methods did you use to structure your exchanges?
How did you stay motivated and consistent with virtual meetings?
Looking back, what would you do differently?
Have you stayed in touch with your mentor after the program? If so, how?

Thank you very much for your time and generosity!