With support from a Strategic Instructional Innovations Program (SIIP) Start-Up Grant, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering will establish a structured, scalable mentoring program designed to support the academic and professional development of both undergraduate and graduate students.
Led by CEE Student Outreach Specialist Maryam Ghadiri, Teaching Assistant Professors Jacob Henschen and E.J. Ignacio, and Associate Professor Hadi Meidani, the team aims to design a mentorship and leadership development course that equips students with key skills in communication, collaboration, and ethical leadership—skills critical for both research and industry settings.
The program will include formal mentorship training, peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities, and hands-on leadership practice. During the 2025–26 academic year, the team will focus on conducting a college-wide needs assessment, developing course materials, and coordinating with faculty and industry professionals to lay the foundation for long-term implementation.
The initiative will directly support ABET outcomes, providing students with the ability to function efficiently on a team, communicate effectively, and provide leadership in a collaborative environment. It additionally aligns with Grainger Engineering’s strategic goals in experiential learning and student support, and is rooted in CEE's commitment to fostering inclusive, collaborative, and transformative educational experiences.
The first phase of program development includes an engagement survey sent to CEE faculty, which is expected to launch in November 2025.