Mentoring Success Stories
Wendy M. Mars, PhD, and Aaron W. Bell, PhD
Pathology Postdoctoral Research Training Program
School of Medicine
"Development of a career without mentorship is virtually impossible," says
Wendy Mars, research assistant professor and co-director of the Pathology
Postdoctoral Research Training Program (PPRTP). 
Through a multidisciplinary
approach, the PPRTP puts that thought into action by sponsoring departmental
funding competitions and hosting interactions with science and business
leaders from the University and the greater Pittsburgh community. Aaron
Bell, postdoctoral fellow and past PPRTP grant recipient, further adds, "The
advice and guidance of a mentor is particularly important when critical
thresholds or crossroads are approached."
Bell speaks from experience—prior to graduate study, he began his career as a research technician in the department, and additionally now serves the PPRTP as a grant reviewer and associate director for fellow affairs as well as being actively involved in the University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association. His PPRTP-sponsored funding was instrumental in helping him to successfully compete for his current NIH F32 Fellowship Grant.
