Raising a Resilient Scientist
September 15 & 29,2026 October 13 & 27, 2026
Offered in collaboration with the University of Denver 4D Experience (https://www.du.edu/4D-experience/labs/resilience-lab/resilience-science).
This series is designed to promote well-being, productivity, and collegial research group interactions by strengthening the leadership, communication, mentoring, and relationship-management skills of faculty, staff, and administrators. The series focuses on helping leaders create environments in which trainees can thrive despite the inherent stress, uncertainty, and challenges of research careers. The information will focus on balancing accountability with support so that the group, and all its members, can thrive. The series consists of four 60-minute webinars, each followed by a brief Q&A. All sessions in the series are free to attend. We welcome faculty, staff, and administrators who supervise, mentor, or support trainees.
UNIT 1: Cultivating Resilience
September 15, 2026 | 2:00-3:15pm ET
The everyday challenges of research coupled with unmanaged stress can impact performance, engagement, and interpersonal relationships within groups. In this webinar we will explore principles of individual and group resilience with a focus on practical strategies for identifying and addressing issues. Topics covered include empathy, psychological safety, cognitive distortions and imposter fears, growth mindset and well-being within high-knowledge environments.
UNIT 2: Empathic Communication To Build Trust in Relationships
September 29, 2026 | 2:00-3:15pm ET
Effective mentoring and leadership depend on the ability to communicate with clarity and understanding without triggering defensiveness or fear. In this webinar we will explore barriers to open communication in hierarchical environments and discuss strategies for lowering risk and establishing expectations. Topics covered include active listening, perspective-taking, styles differences, communicating expectations, and referrals for outside support.
UNIT 3: Having High Stakes Conversations
October 13, 2026 | 2:00-3:15pm ET
Ongoing bi-directional feedback is critical for trainee growth, productivity and accountability. In this webinar, we will build on prior information to provide a framework for approaching these conversations with confidence and compassion. Topics covered include psychological safety, getting past first responses, best practices for following up, and dealing with on-going concerns.
UNIT 4: Cultivating Belonging and Inclusion
October 27, 2026 | 2:00-3:15pm ET
People do their best work when they feel welcomed, respected, and seen as a whole person with many important and meaningful identities. This session explores strategies for creating welcoming, inclusive, and collegial groups where all members of the group contribute and succeed. Topics covered include the role of identity in group participation, trust in teams, integrating staff, forming teams, and promoting belonging within the group.