Faculty Profile

Associate Professor
Urban and Regional Planning
jlmaisel@buffalo.edu

• PhD, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, 2014
  
• MUP, Urban and Regional Planning, University at Buffalo, 2004

• Director of Research, IDEA Center, University at Buffalo
  

I view mentoring as a collaborative relationship where both the mentor and mentee learn and grow together. It involves sharing experiences, providing support and fostering an environment where both parties can achieve their goals and overcome challenges. I believe effective mentoring:

1. Draws on one's own experiences to guide and support others. It's about offering practical advice, sharing lessons learned and helping mentees navigate their own paths with greater confidence and insight.
2. Empowers individuals to take charge of their own development. It's not about giving all the answers, but rather helping mentees build the skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions and solve problems independently.
3. Recognizes that each mentee is unique and may require different approaches.

I had the personal experience of caregiving for an ill family member while working full-time and completing my PhD, and would like to be a resource to students who are in similar situations.