LAUNCH Program is proud to work with a robust group of mentors and training faculty across KUH disciplines and institutions. Our mentors have a strong track record of conducting original research in areas relevant to nephrology, non-malignant urology, or non-malignant hematology or in methodologies (such as proteomics, bioinformatics or geriatrics) that are relevant to KUH mission areas.
Explore our Mentors:
Mentorship at LAUNCH
Mentorship is a central component of the LAUNCH training experience. Our mentors represent a broad range of scientific disciplines, research methodologies, and clinical specialties across UCSF, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and UC Davis. Together, they provide LAUNCH Scholars with the scientific guidance, career development support, and collaborative research environment needed to advance toward independent careers in kidney, urology, and hematology (KUH) research.
A Collaborative Approach to Mentoring
LAUNCH encourages Scholars to build mentoring relationships that reflect their individual research interests and career goals. Mentors may provide expertise in basic, translational, clinical, population health, or data-driven research, as well as complementary methodological areas relevant to KUH science.
Scholars may also benefit from multidisciplinary mentor teams. When appropriate, co-mentorship can bring together complementary expertise across specialties, methodologies, departments, or LAUNCH partner institutions and help Scholars develop collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry.
The Role of a LAUNCH Mentor
LAUNCH mentors support Trainees in developing both their research programs and their long-term career trajectories. Mentorship may include:
- Guidance in developing and conducting rigorous, innovative research
- Regular feedback on research progress and scientific goals
- Development of research, analytical, communication, and grant-writing skills
- Career planning and preparation for future funding opportunities
- Introductions to collaborators, professional networks, and relevant scientific communities
- Support in developing increasing scientific independence
- Guidance in navigating multidisciplinary and team-based research
Mentors and Trainees are encouraged to establish clear expectations, communicate regularly, and revisit research and professional development goals throughout the training period.
Finding the Right Mentor
A strong mentor–mentee relationship begins with alignment between the Trainee's research interests, training needs, and career goals and the mentor's expertise and available research opportunities. Prospective Trainees are encouraged to explore faculty across all four LAUNCH partner institutions and consider both scientific fit and the broader training environment when identifying potential mentors.
LAUNCH includes investigators working directly in nephrology, non-malignant urology, and non-malignant hematology, as well as faculty whose expertise in areas such as epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, physiology, genetics, bioengineering, population health, and other complementary fields can advance KUH research.
Applicants who would like assistance identifying potential mentors are encouraged to contact the LAUNCH Program.