The Power of Mentorship in Plant Science: Becky Bart on Guiding the Next Generation
Mentorship is a cornerstone of growth in any field, but in plant science—where the challenges are complex and the questions are vast—having a thoughtful and supportive mentor can make all the difference. At the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Rebecca (Becky) Bart, PhD, is not only a leading researcher but also a dedicated mentor, committed to guiding the next generation of plant scientists.
Bart is a Member and the Interim Vice President for Research at the Danforth Center, where her work focuses on how the environment affects interactions between plants and microbes. Driven by the conviction that food security is a basic human right, Bart believes in the power of plant science to improve life for both people and the planet. But beyond her research, she is deeply invested in helping young scientists navigate their careers and discover their own scientific identities.
In this blog, we’re sharing Bart’s key insights on why mentorship matters, what makes a good mentor, and how the exchange of knowledge between mentor and mentee strengthens not just individuals, but the scientific community as a whole.
Why is it valuable to have a mentor?
“Growth requires both self-reflection and external feedback,” says Bart. “While individuals can assess their own progress and set goals, there are always blind spots—things we don’t see about ourselves or our work.”
“This is especially critical in science, where navigating complex research questions, technical skills, and career development can be overwhelming. Mentorship accelerates learning, helps trainees avoid common pitfalls, and provides an external perspective that fosters both scientific and professional growth. Importantly, a mentor’s role isn’t just to provide answers but to help mentees refine their own ability to think critically and logically, skills that are essential for a successful career in research.”
What does it take to be a good mentor?
Bart highlighted a few key qualities of a successful mentorship. She says that a good mentor will:
- balance constructive criticism with encouragement. Be honest about challenges while also fostering confidence. Discuss areas that could use growth, but don’t forget to highlight strengths, especially those that your mentee might not fully appreciate.
- adapt to the needs of each mentee. Some need more structured guidance, while others thrive on independence. A good mentor adjusts their approach accordingly.
- help the mentee develop their own scientific identity. Give your mentee the space to carve out an independent niche rather than being in the shadow of their mentor.
- push the mentee to dream big. Encourage your mentee to set goals that may be much more attainable than they think.
“As mentees, we look to our mentors not just for guidance when things go wrong, but for feedback that helps us reach our full potential,” Bart says. “It’s one thing to offer honest critique when expectations aren’t being met; it’s much harder to provide the kind of insight that pushes someone beyond what they thought possible.”
Bart reflected on how impactful this type of mentorship has been in her own career. “There have only been a couple unique individuals who have been willing and able to challenge me to exceed expectations. As a mentor, I strive to provide that deeper level of mentorship to my mentees. But it’s hard! It requires looking closely at an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots, and seeing what is hard for them to see. It also requires a level of headiness and confidence in my own ability as a mentor,” she shared.
How does mentorship benefit scientific discovery?
Mentorship doesn’t just benefit individual scientists—it strengthens the entire scientific community.
“Mentorship is one of the most effective ways to transfer knowledge, much like the way history and traditions were passed down through oral storytelling before the written record,” Bart explains. “In science, while we have publications and protocols, much of the most valuable knowledge—how to think through complex problems, how to navigate challenges, how to develop a scientific identity—comes from direct interactions between mentors and mentees.”
“I see mentorship as a pathway to pass down not just technical skills, but also scientific intuition, resilience, and decision-making strategies—all capabilities that are much harder to learn from books. At the same time, mentorship is a two-way street. I learn from my trainees as much as they learn from me, and that exchange of knowledge keeps science dynamic and exciting.”
Paying It Forward
Bart’s passion for mentorship is more than a personal commitment—it’s a reflection of the Danforth Center’s broader mission to develop future leaders in plant science. By helping young scientists develop both technical expertise and confidence, Bart is not only shaping individual careers but also contributing to the advancement of plant science as a whole.