Enhancing Research and Mentoring Skills in Engineering Education Through a Mentoring Triad Model

This innovative practice study submitted in the “Competencies Development” category is a multi-methods case study that aims to examine the impact of a unique Mentoring Triad Model on enhancing research skills in undergraduate students, mentoring skills in graduate students, and professional growth in faculty mentors. The Mentoring Triad consists of an undergraduate student, graduate student, and faculty member collaborating on a semester-long research project within the context of a large Midwestern research university. Data was collected from each participant through surveys, interviews, observations, and document analysis. Results indicate the Mentoring Triad Model facilitated significant growth in research skills, psychosocial development, and professional competencies for all participants. The undergraduate student developed research abilities, intercultural competence, communication skills, collaboration, and self-regulation. The graduate student enhanced their mentoring, research, empathy, project management, adaptability, and collaboration skills. The faculty mentor refined their team management, mentoring, time management, openness to feedback, and collaborative capacities. Findings support the Mentoring Triad as an effective model for integrating research and multilevel mentorship to advance the holistic development of aspiring researchers and professionals in higher education, with implications for replication across disciplines and institutions.