During the last three annual meetings, the SMB has run a mentoring program to benefit junior scientists. Junior scientists interested in the mentoring program sign up with the program coordinator, and are matched with a senior scientist attending the meeting. Matches can be made based on research interests or by special request. The goal of the mentoring program is to optimize the educational and professional experience of mentees attending the conference, and to assist the mentees' socialization into the field of mathematical biology.

This year, 14 junior scientists applied to be mentored, and a match was found for all applicants. Thanks to all the mentors for enthusiastically volunteering their time!

Both mentees and mentors found participation in the mentoring program to be a valuable experience. Many of the mentees commented that they very much appreciated the time spent with the mentor discussing their research and career options, and receiving feedback on their poster or oral presentation from their mentor.

We are planning to offer the program again at our annual meeting next year. Watch for announcements in future issues of this newsletter, in the electronic SMB Digest, and on the meeting web pages. For details on the objectives of the program and the process used to administer the program, visit the program web page.

Comments and suggestions are always welcomed