LEAD Reverse Mentoring Pair

Arielle Isakharov and Lori T. Raetzman

Arielle Isakharov, Reverse Mentor
Arielle Isakharov is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the neuroscience program at Oregon Health and Science University. Her research uses genetic and imaging tools to answer questions about the development of an uncharacterized neuronal subtype in the mouse retina. Scientifically, Isakharov hopes to pursue genetic and developmental questions after her doctorate, and socially, she hopes to improve the culture of academia and research to welcome and retain diverse scientists. 

What new skills do you seek to gain as a reverse mentor?
Having been primarily a mentee in the past, I hope that my role as a reverse mentor teaches me to listen to what my mentee needs through the lens of my personal experience and the experiences and resources of my entire network. I also hope to learn how to tailor my mentorship to a mentee’s resources and abilities.

How is mentoring important to your career development?
In the unique situation of the reverse mentorship model of FASEB LEAD, I am mentoring someone who represents a potential professional future for me and directly shapes the paths of my peers toward their professional futures. I am very excited to see the impact of this relationship on the career opportunities and quality of professional life for my diverse peers.

How does diversity and inclusivity impact your leadership style?
I have learned a lot about, and continue to learn, how to lead assertively and clearly while creating space for feedback and new perspectives. It's challenging to balance our aspirations toward a more equitable and inclusive system and culture with the current system's realities. My learnings about diversity and inclusivity have helped me use empathy and community building to bridge that gap.

Arielle Isakharov is a member of Society for Developmental Biology, a FASEB member society.