ADSA EARLY-CAREER MENTORS

MEET THE 2026 ADSA EARLY-CAREER MENTOR, CLAIRA SEELY, PHD

“One of the biggest challenges that I faced after finishing my PhD was finding my independence as a scientist and believing in my capabilities as a researcher. I feel that sharing these feelings and actions I took to overcome them will benefit all GSD members.

Furthermore, as an early-career faculty member, I feel that I can confidently share about the hurdles assistant professors face as they begin their academic journeys. From discussing curriculum building to grant application preparation to juggling teaching and research commitments, I will openly share my successes and failures with GSD members as they prepare for the steps after graduate school.

I feel that having the opportunity to hear stories and form relationships with those who have recently navigated the tricky path to tenure is incredibly beneficial in fostering the success and well-being of early-career academics and scientists.”

Call for Applications: Early-Career Mentor for ADSA GSD

Empower the next generation of dairy scientists while advancing your own professional leadership.

Apply Now

The ADSA Graduate Student Division (GSD) is proud to pilot an Early-Career Mentor Program designed to bridge the transition from graduate training to professional careers in academia and industry.

We are seeking a dedicated early-career mentor to join the GSD Advisory Council and help shape the future of professional development within our community. The early-career mentor is

  • within five years of completing their PhD,
  • passionate about professional development and mentorship, and
  • ready to contribute to the growth of the ADSA community.
Applications are due by Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., and duties will begin shortly thereafter and run through December 30, 2026.

 

Miss the deadline or need more time? Submit your application, and we’ll reach out for the 2026 to 2027 term (beginning in July 2026 through June 2027)!

Benefits

This isn’t just a volunteer role—it’s a career-building opportunity. As an early-career mentor, you will receive

  • A formal letter of recognition from the ADSA Board of Directors
  • One year of complimentary ADSA membership (or a refund on your dues if you’re already a member!)—a $60 value!
  • Free registration to the ADSA 2026 Annual Meeting and the ticketed GSD educational session and GSD student recognition luncheon at the meeting

Role and Expectations

As an early-career mentor, you will

  • Regularly meet with the GSD Advisory Council
  • Lead or co-lead at least one professional-development webinar
  • Draft a proposal for the official Undergraduate Student Division (USD)–GSD Mentorship pilot program
  • Advise committee volunteers and guide GSD initiatives

Application Process

  • Nominees must submit
    • an application,
    • a brief statement of interest outlining their proposed contributions (2,300 keystrokes), and
    • a headshot (JPG or PNG).
  • Applications will be reviewed by the GSD Advisory Council, which will hold a GSD-wide election if needed.

Apply Now