Assistant Professor
Engineering Education
rnbonnet@buffalo.edu
Mentoring, to me, means reminding students that they are a whole person, not pieces separate from the life that happens outside of campus, and that this is both a good thing and a tool they can use in their research, but also that there are ways to work with and build from the challenges we experience. I am especially interested in working with neurodivergent students (or students who think they might benefit from a neurodivergent mentor) because I want to be able to share my experiences and the tools I have for managing the expectations of graduate school with them.
While I think that I could speak to all the above categories, I am especially focused on neurodivergent inclusion and overcoming the barriers we experience in our daily lives.
I think the frustration of having any kind of disability while in graduate school is a difficult conversation to have with those who do not share that experience; difficulty meeting deadlines, keeping up with reading, or managing your health needs while also trying to keep up with work do not diminish your value or ability to succeed. But, you may need additional support figuring out tools, tips and tricks for coping and balancing who you are and what you can do with the real barriers you experience.