A second life

The Genetics Society of America Mentorship Award recognizes members of the scientific community for exceptional mentoring of geneticists at any career stage. Irini Topalidou is the inaugural recipient in the nonfaculty category, honored for her outstanding contributions to mentoring within the C. elegans community and beyond. She has mentored numerous trainees who have gone on to pursue graduate and medical degrees, postdoctoral or faculty positions, and careers in biotech. The award further acknowledges her published work on STEM education and career choice, as well as her commitment to understanding and addressing trainee challenges and to improving mentorship practices. In the essay below, Irini reflects on her journey as an immigrant in the United States and how these experiences have shaped her life, career, and approach to mentorship. She also highlights how recent scientific and cultural shifts are challenging the principles of openness, diversity, and discovery in the United States, placing one of its greatest strengths at risk.