Interdirectional Mentoring in an Individual Interdisciplinary PhD Program: The Symbiotic Relationship Between the Student and the Committee

Abstract

The mentoring relationship between a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) student and their advisory committee is paramount in the student’s academic and professional journey. Mentorship is an essential element in the Individual Interdisciplinary PhD (IIP), where navigating the blurred but often complex lines of disciplinary boundaries is expected, if not essential. This analysis describes how mentoring has evolved from the top-down approach to a co-constructed paradigm within the context of the IIP. This study examines how roles, responsibilities, attitudes, and the transfer of knowledge shape relationships and foster camaraderie, intellectual growth, innovative initiatives, and professional development, ultimately producing rich dialogue and scholarship. The study suggests best practices for optimal mentoring in interdisciplinary research settings and provides examples of application in public health and healthcare studies.