Mentorship, Career Development, and Support
Our lab is committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and supportive environment where all staff and trainees can thrive. We prioritize mentorship and career development as essential components of our lab culture, encouraging growth at all stages of training. We maintain a professional workplace where discrimination and harassment of any kind are not tolerated.
In partnership with the Department of Medicine, we support this mission by offering access to resources, training opportunities, and structured mentorship to help guide scientific and professional advancement.
Dr. Silva-Fisher serves as a leader at WashU and in the scientific community.
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Director of Mentorship to Enhance Development in Academia (MEDA)
In addition to personalized mentorship by Dr. Silva-Fisher you may also participate in The MEDA program. It provides trainees with support, resources, personalized guidance, and engaging opportunities they need to become successful at WUSM and in their future careers. The objectives of the MEDA program are to provide academic and career mentorship for all trainees by 1) facilitating connections with leaders through an online database, 2) providing personalized career development and funding opportunities, and 3) developing community and support.​
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Assistant Director of Support and Engagement in the Division of Oncology
The Division of Oncology is focused on enhancing retention, recruitment, and a welcoming culture. Dr. Silva-Fisher is helping develop programs aimed at these efforts. We welcome all trainees to participate in a bi-monthly breakfast for developing community and to provide resources.
Advisor for the CRISPr Cancer Biology High School Program
Washington University Cancer Research Club aims to make high level academic research more accessible to the undergraduate population at Washington University in St. Louis. WUSTL Cancer Research Club has sparked a collaboration with Science Coach, a structured network of mentors and teachers that enables local high school students to explore a research topic that interests them, and Siteman Cancer Center to establish a pipeline for local high school students to conduct research at labs in the Siteman Cancer Center.
Outreach & Education (OE) Liaison for the Solid Tumor Therapeutics Program (STTP) at Siteman Cancer Center
Dr. Silva-Fisher identifies and assesses ongoing efforts within STTP that align with Community Outreach and Engagement and Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination components. She collaborates with multiple leaders at WashU and Siteman Cancer Center to develop ideas for community outreach and engagement with various programs.
Current President of the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association Women Physicians and Scientists Group
Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic Alumni Association Women Physicians and Scientists Group began 2021. Dr. Silva-Fisher is the one of the founders of the group. She sits on the election board and is currently in charge of recruitment and program development.
Trainee and Faculty Career Development and Support
An individual development plan will be created for trainees (staff are welcomed to participate as well) in the laboratory. This will be facilitated by using Science Careers myIDP. Dr. Silva-Fisher will have yearly meetings with trainees to about career development progress.