Reply To: Q and A session with a past mentor – Rajshree Das

[SouOla]

Hello Rajshree, Thank you so much for your time and commitment!
My name is Souad and I recently applied for the iCHORDS 2025–2026 mentorship program. I hold a Master’s degree in Medical and Molecular Microbiology and am currently preparing a PhD proposal on female genital schistosomiasis, a neglected disease that remains highly prevalent in certain regions of Benin. My goal is to integrate my expertise in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance with a broader approach to NTDs, supported by the guidance of an experienced mentor.
I deeply admire dedicated mentors like you, and I would be truly grateful for your insights. Please allow me to ask a few questions — I apologize if they seem a bit many!
1. What do you expect from a good mentee, whether explicitly or implicitly?
2. What were your personal expectations for the mentees you supported?
3. How do you assess the strengths and weaknesses of a mentee’s project?
4. What advice would you give for building a solid and trusting mentoring relationship?
5. How do you tailor your support to a mentee’s local or institutional context?
6. In your view, what makes a mentorship successful?
7. My goal is to bridge infectious disease research and NTDs. What advice would you offer to make the most of this kind of mentorship?
8. My research topic is still underexplored in my country. How can I use the mentorship to advance such a specific project?